If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer in every bite, look no further than Cucumber Strawberry Salad. This vibrant combination of crisp cucumber, juicy strawberries, fragrant mint, and a tangy-sweet dressing is unbelievably easy to whip up, yet complex in flavor and texture. It’s just the kind of recipe that will make you the hero of every picnic, brunch, or backyard meal, and it only takes a few simple ingredients to create something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cucumber Strawberry Salad is that each ingredient is as important as the next: you get a juicy burst, a refreshing crunch, herby brightness, and just enough zing in each forkful. Here’s what you need, and why you can’t skip a thing:
- Strawberries: These provide the juicy sweetness that gives the salad its summery personality—hull and slice them for the prettiest presentation.
- Cucumber: For the ultimate refreshing crunch, thinly slice a large cucumber (English or Persian work best for their delicate skin and flavor).
- Red Onion: Just a hint of thinly sliced onion adds a zesty bite that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Don’t hold back on the mint; its cool, aromatic lift pulls everything together with an herbal twist.
- Olive Oil: Use a nice, fruity olive oil to carry the flavors of the dressing and add a touch of richness.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon Juice: Either option brings tang and balance—balsamic for depth, or lemon for brightness, so choose what suits your mood!
- Honey (optional): If your strawberries aren’t peak-season sweet, a touch of honey can nudge the salad toward perfection.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t underestimate seasoning! A sprinkle of salt and pepper is essential for pulling everything together.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Begin by thoroughly washing your strawberries, cucumber, and mint leaves. Hull and slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the cucumber—it’s worth taking your time on this part for the prettiest, crunchiest results. Red onion should be as paper-thin as you can manage, which ensures the onion flavor is subtle, not overpowering. Finally, roughly chop the fresh mint, releasing all its bright aroma.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine your sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and chopped mint. At this point, the bowl should look like it belongs at the center of a summer table—color bursting in every direction! Gently toss everything together to distribute the mint and onions—which will mean every bite sings with brightness.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl or a handy jar, pour in your olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey if you’d like that extra sweetness, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake until the mixture is silky and fully combined. This simple dressing is the secret handshake that unites all the vibrant produce into a harmonious dish.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over your prepared salad base, taking care to coat all those gorgeous fruits and veggies. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently toss—it’s important to keep the strawberries and cucumbers intact! If you have time to spare, chilling your Cucumber Strawberry Salad for 10 to 15 minutes will let the flavors meld together even more beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Cucumber Strawberry Salad is ready to take center stage! Serve immediately for ultimate freshness, or let it chill if you prefer extra-cool crunch. It’s as welcome on a regular Tuesday as it is atop a linen-covered brunch table.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped mint leaves or a scattering of crumbled feta for a salty, creamy contrast. For crunch, a handful of toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds brings out another layer of deliciousness. Fresh cracked pepper added just before serving makes all the colors pop and enhances the salad’s aroma.
Side Dishes
Cucumber Strawberry Salad shines brightest next to simple grilled proteins—think chicken breasts or a beautiful fillet of fish. It’s also perfect as a refreshing foil to hearty grain dishes, or as the centerpiece in a medley of small plates at a summer lunch. Don’t overlook pairing it with a crusty baguette for soaking up any leftover dressing!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your salad piled high on a colorful platter, or nestle individual portions into lettuce cups for a stunning appetizer. Layer it in mason jars for picnic-ready meals that travel well, or arrange it in rings using a biscuit cutter for extra visual flair when you want to impress guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare!), transfer your Cucumber Strawberry Salad to an airtight container. It keeps best in the fridge for up to two days—after that, the cucumbers and strawberries start to lose their crisp bite, but the flavors are still delightful.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad; the fresh produce will turn mushy and lose the unique crunch and vibrant flavors that make Cucumber Strawberry Salad special. Stick to fresh or refrigerated storage for the best eating experience.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary for this salad—it’s made to be enjoyed cool or even slightly chilled. If refrigerated, just give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing before serving, and refresh with a sprinkle of mint or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
FAQs
Can I make Cucumber Strawberry Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can slice the strawberries, cucumber, and red onion and keep them chilled, as well as prep the dressing a day ahead. Combine all the ingredients right before serving to maintain the crisp textures and freshest flavor.
What other herbs work well in Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
While mint is classic and beautifully refreshing, you can also use fresh basil or cilantro for a different herbal note. A mix of herbs adds complexity, so feel free to experiment if you have extra greens in your garden or fridge.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to feta in this salad?
Definitely! The salad is already delicious without cheese, but if you crave that creamy element, toasted nuts or vegan cheese crumbles are great dairy-free toppers that won’t overpower the other fresh flavors.
How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
Slice the cucumbers right before assembling the salad to minimize water release, and avoid salting them in advance. If you’re prepping ahead, add the dressing just before serving—that little step keeps Cucumber Strawberry Salad crisp and vibrant.
Can I use a different vinegar or citrus in the dressing?
Absolutely! Red wine vinegar, white balsamic, or even fresh lime juice can offer a different twist on the salad’s dressing, letting you tailor the tang to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Cucumber Strawberry Salad, now’s the perfect time to add it to your summer lineup. It’s fresh, easy, and guaranteed to put smiles all around the table. Gather your ingredients, give it a whirl, and enjoy every crisp, juicy bite!
Print
Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful Cucumber Strawberry Salad. A perfect blend of sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber, and fresh mint, all tossed in a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 large cucumber (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (chopped)
Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
- Prepare Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- This salad complements grilled chicken or fish.
- For added texture, consider feta or chopped almonds.
- English or Persian cucumbers are recommended for their thin skin and mild taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
