The zing of fresh strawberries meets the cool crunch of cucumber in what can only be described as summer on a plate—my beloved Cucumber Strawberry Salad. With juicy strawberries that sing with sweetness and hydrating cucumbers that provide a satisfying crunch, this dish is a celebration of vibrant flavors. Perfect for long, sunny picnics or casual backyard barbecues, this easy salad recipe can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, freeing your time for more fun in the sun! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients, dressings, and toppings to suit whatever cravings or dietary preferences you have. Have you ever wondered how something so refreshing can be so easy to make? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and elevate your summer gatherings! Why Is This Salad a Summer Favorite? Refreshingly Easy: This Cucumber Strawberry Salad comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a quick solution for busy summer days. Vibrant Colors: Enjoy the beautiful contrast of red strawberries and green cucumbers, making this dish a feast for the eyes and the palate. Versatile Base: The adaptable nature of this salad allows you to mix and match ingredients, whether you’re adding nuts like almonds or swapping in different fruits. Nutrient-Packed: With its combination of fruits and veggies, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and low in calories—perfect for light lunches. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The balance of sweet and savory flavors is sure to delight guests, making it a hit at picnics or BBQs. Pair it with something like Pesto Pasta Salad for a complete spread! Cucumber Strawberry Salad Ingredients For the Salad Strawberries – Sweetness and vibrant color; use firm, deep red strawberries for the best texture. Cucumber – Provides crunch and hydration; Persian or English cucumbers are ideal, or peel standard cucumbers to avoid bitterness. Feta Cheese (optional) – Adds saltiness and creaminess; substitute with goat cheese or omit for a dairy-free version. Fresh Herbs (Mint or Basil) – Provide aromatic freshness; fresh herbs have the best impact, while dried can be used if necessary. Nuts/Seeds (Almonds, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds, optional) – Add crunch and healthy fats; toasting them enhances the flavor. For the Dressing Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance flavors; lemon gives bright notes, while balsamic gives depth. Honey or Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness; adjust according to your preference. Olive Oil – Enriches the dressing; choose high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor. Salt and Pepper – Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste. This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is both wholesome and refreshing, perfect for the summer season! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cucumber Strawberry Salad Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Begin by rinsing and drying the strawberries and cucumbers under cool, running water. Once dry, hull the strawberries and slice them lengthwise into manageable pieces. For the cucumbers, thinly slice them into rounds or half-moons, ensuring they’re crisp and fresh, as this Cucumber Strawberry Salad relies on their crunch and hydration for texture. Step 2: Mix Dressing In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, along with honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Pour in high-quality olive oil and sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Whisk together or shake the jar vigorously until the mixture is well blended and emulsified, adjusting the seasoning to your preference for this flavorful dressing. Step 3: Assemble Salad In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, and your choice of fresh herbs such as mint or basil. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it and add it to the bowl. This foundational mix creates the vibrant base of your Cucumber Strawberry Salad, showcasing the colorful ingredients beautifully. Step 4: Toss Lightly Drizzle about half of the prepared dressing over the assembled salad and use a large spoon to gently toss the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the delicate strawberries; you want them to retain their shape. The dressing should coat the fruits and veggies lightly, enhancing their natural flavors without overwhelming them. Step 5: Garnish & Serve Transfer the tossed salad onto a serving platter or individual plates. Finally, sprinkle with your choice of nuts or seeds for added crunch, and drizzle the remaining dressing on top for extra zest. Serve your refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad right away to enjoy the full vibrancy and freshness before everything starts to wilt. Expert Tips • Choose Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your strawberries are firm and bright red, as overripe fruit can lead to mushiness in your Cucumber Strawberry Salad. • Chill Before Mixing: For a refreshing taste, chill the cucumbers, strawberries, and dressing in the fridge before assembling the salad. • Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the salad’s crunch, mix in the dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess. • Customize Wisely: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and nuts, but avoid overpowering flavors that might mask the fruity freshness of your Cucumber Strawberry Salad. • Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can modify the level of honey or maple syrup in the dressing—start with less and add more to taste! What to Serve with Cucumber Strawberry Salad Picture a sun-drenched picnic table beckoning with delicious dishes that harmonize beautifully with a refreshing salad. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet strawberries, creating a well-rounded meal that feels effortless yet sophisticated. Quinoa Tabbouleh: A savory, herbed grain dish adds texture and depth, complementing the salad’s fresh flavors for a nourishing vegetarian option. Garlic Bread: Warm, crunchy garlic bread brings a hearty touch to your meal, balancing the refreshing notes of the salad without overwhelming them. Pasta Primavera: Light and colorful, this veggie-loaded pasta enhances your table’s vibrancy, and it’s delightful tossed in a light olive oil dressing that mirrors your salad’s profile. Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing drink elevates your outdoors meals, and the citrusy notes can tie together the meal’s overall brightness. Berry Tart: End on a sweet note with a slice of berry tart. The smooth custard and crisp crust make an elegant final touch after the crispness of the salad. Embrace the flavors of summer with these delicious pairings that promise to take your outdoor gatherings to the next level! Make Ahead Options This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the salad components—sliced cucumbers, hulled strawberries, and chopped herbs—up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and crunch. The dressing can also be made ahead; just mix it together and keep it sealed in the fridge. When it’s time to serve, gently combine the prepped ingredients in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss lightly to preserve the textures. This way, you’ll have a delicious and refreshing salad ready with minimal effort, making your meal prep a breeze! Cucumber Strawberry Salad Variations Feel free to get creative with this Cucumber Strawberry Salad, making it your own with exciting twists that will tantalize your taste buds! Greens: Boost nutrition by adding arugula or baby spinach for a peppery kick. The vibrant greens will also add extra color and freshness. Fruits: Mix it up with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a delightful fruit medley. Each adds a unique flavor profile, enhancing this refreshing salad. Proteins: For a heartier meal, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas. These options integrate smoothly, elevating the salad from a side dish to a main course. Cheese Alternatives: Swap out feta for crumbled blue cheese or skip cheese entirely for a delightful vegan version. Both substitutions retain the salad’s creamy goodness. Heat Level: Add a touch of sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, beautifully contrasting the sweetness of strawberries. Just a pinch can ignite your taste buds! Dressing Variations: Experiment with a honey mustard vinaigrette or a ginger sesame dressing instead of the standard dressing. These unique dressings will impart a deeper, exotic flavor to the salad. Seeds & Nuts: Top with pepitas or toasted pecans for extra protein and texture. Their buttery richness complements the sweet fruits wonderfully. If you’re looking for more fresh salad ideas, check out this delicious Chicken Salad Light or the tasty Pesto Pasta Salad for a complete meal experience! How to Store and Freeze Cucumber Strawberry Salad Fridge: Keep the Cucumber Strawberry Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers can lose their crispness after a day. Leftover Dressing: Store any leftover dressing separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. This way, you can easily refresh the flavors the next time you enjoy your salad! Meal Prep: For optimal freshness, prepare the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving. Keeping sliced cucumbers and strawberries in the fridge can help maintain their texture when you’re ready to assemble the salad. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the Cucumber Strawberry Salad, as freezing can cause the delicate strawberries and cucumbers to become mushy when thawed. Enjoy this delightful salad fresh! Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe strawberries and cucumbers for the salad? Absolutely! When choosing strawberries, look for those that are bright red, firm, and have a pleasant aroma; avoid any with dark spots or mushy areas. For cucumbers, selecting Persian or English varieties is best as they’re less bitter. If using standard cucumbers, ensure they are firm and vibrant green. How should I store Cucumber Strawberry Salad leftovers? Very important! Keep your Cucumber Strawberry Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It’s best eaten fresh, but this way you can still enjoy the flavors, even if the cucumbers lose a bit of their crunch. Can I freeze leftover salad or its components? No, freezing is not recommended for Cucumber Strawberry Salad. Both strawberries and cucumbers lose their texture when frozen and thawed, becoming mushy. Instead, enjoy this salad fresh to savor its delightful crunch and flavor. What should I do if my salad is too salty? If your salad turns out too salty, add extra diced cucumbers or strawberries to balance out the flavors. You can also incorporate a bit of unsalted nuts or seeds. Toss them in gently to ensure everything remains intact and retains that lovely fresh crunch. Is this salad suitable for my gluten-free guests? Absolutely! The Cucumber Strawberry Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone at the table. If you’re adding any toppings like croutons, ensure they are gluten-free as well! This way, you can enjoy a worry-free meal together. How can I modify the salad to make it vegan-friendly? Great question! To make your Cucumber Strawberry Salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese entirely, or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The refreshing flavors from the fruits and dressing are sure to shine through, keeping it deliciously vegan! Cucumber Strawberry Salad That'll Refresh Your Summer Days Enjoy a refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad that's perfect for summer picnics and barbecues, combining sweet strawberries and crunchy cucumbers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SnacksCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 cups Strawberries hulled and sliced1 large Cucumber thinly sliced1/2 cup Feta Cheese optional, crumbled1/4 cup Fresh Herbs Mint or Basil1/4 cup Nuts/Seeds Almonds, Walnuts, or Sunflower Seeds (optional)For the Dressing2 tablespoons Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar for acidity1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup to taste3 tablespoons Olive Oil extra virginto taste Salt and Pepper to enhance flavor Equipment mixing bowlSmall bowlwhiskKnifecutting board Method Preparation StepsRinse and dry the strawberries and cucumbers under cool water. Hull the strawberries and slice them lengthwise. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.In a small bowl, combine lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the jar until well blended.In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, strawberries, and fresh herbs. Add crumbled feta cheese if using.Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Be careful not to crush the strawberries.Transfer the salad to a serving platter, sprinkle with nuts or seeds, and drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure strawberries are fresh and firm for the best texture. Chill ingredients before mixing for a refreshing taste. Dress the salad right before serving to maintain crunch. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
