Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
The Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is pure summertime joy in a bowl: crisp, cool, naturally sweet, and packed with fresh flavor. This vibrant salad beautifully marries juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, fragrant mint, and a tangy honey-lemon dressing for a dish that practically sparkles with color and taste. Light, refreshing, and impossibly simple, it’s the kind of recipe that brightens any meal and turns ordinary days into celebrations—perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any afternoon when you want to treat yourself to something as pretty as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe comes together with just a handful of seasonal, peak-freshness ingredients. Each component brings its own unique character, whether that’s a burst of sweetness, a little tang, or a hit of herbal freshness. Here’s what makes this salad sing:
- Fresh Strawberries: Look for ripe, bright red berries—these add juicy sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
- English Cucumber: Seedless and extra crisp, this cucumber keeps things light and refreshing without watering down the salad.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just the right touch of punchy, savory flavor to balance out the sweetness.
- Fresh Mint: This herb perfumes the dish with a cool, refreshing note that pairs beautifully with both strawberries and cucumber.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that ties the dressing together and enhances the strawberries’ natural sugars.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that perks up all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Lemon Juice: For bright, zippy acidity and sunshine-y taste in every forkful.
- Salt: Just a pinch will bring out all the vibrant flavors and balance the sweetness of the fruit and honey.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground if possible—a subtle bit of warmth that surprisingly elevates the whole salad.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by hulling and slicing your strawberries and slicing the English cucumber thinly—no need to peel! Next, cut the red onion nice and thin so its flavor melds in rather than overpowers. Chop your fresh mint just before using to keep it at its most fragrant. This little bit of prep ensures every ingredient shines in the finished Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and chopped mint. Use the biggest bowl you have, so you’re not squishing any of these delicate ingredients, and give everything a soft toss to evenly distribute the mint and onion throughout your salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, pinch of salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the honey dissolves completely and the dressing is silky-smooth. This is the secret weapon that brings the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe to life—it’s sweet, tart, and just a hint floral.
Step 4: Dress & Toss
Pour the vibrant dressing all over the salad. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together so the fruit and veggies are lightly but evenly coated. This way, every forkful is balanced, and the flavors come together into one cheerful, harmonious dish.
Step 5: Let It Marinate
Give the salad at least 10–15 minutes to rest at room temperature. This quick pause allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, and the onion to mellow. Serve your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe chilled or just slightly cool—either way, it will taste refreshing and bright.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your salad with a final sprinkle of fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and cooling aroma, or add a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese if you want a creamy, tangy note. For extra texture, scatter a few chopped toasted almonds or pistachios across the top just before serving. These little touches can make an already special salad into a centerpiece.
Side Dishes
The Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is a crowd-pleasing side for grilled chicken, flaky fish, or even a simple cheese and charcuterie board. Its lightness and mix of flavors make it especially welcome at a barbecue or picnic, balancing out richer main courses without ever stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a bit of fun, try spooning the salad into small mason jars or clear glasses for an eye-catching individual appetizer. You can also serve it atop baby greens or arugula for a larger lunch salad, or even pile it onto crostini for an elegant party starter. However you present it, everyone will be dazzled by the salad’s joyful color and taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with a bit of leftover Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe, tuck it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to blend as it sits, though the strawberries may turn a little softer and pinken the cucumbers—still delicious, but best enjoyed while fresh for max crunch and color. Give the salad a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The strawberries and cucumber will lose their crisp texture and become watery upon thawing, making the whole dish limp and diluted. If you want to prep ahead, chop everything except the strawberries and add those just before dressing to keep things as fresh as possible.
Reheating
There’s no need (and no way!) to reheat the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe, as it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes so the flavors wake up before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can absolutely prep the components a few hours in advance. Chop and store the strawberries, cucumber, onion, and mint separately, and mix the dressing in a jar. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything for that just-made vibrancy the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is known for.
Can I use a different type Salad
Yes! White balsamic vinegar or even champagne vinegar are fantastic swaps for apple cider vinegar in the dressing. They’ll bring a slightly different, subtle flavor profile that still lets the fruit and mint sing.
Is this salad allergen-friendly?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free if you skip the crunchy almond or pistachio garnish. It’s a lovely option for potlucks or gatherings where different dietary needs are in play.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Try tossing in a handful of cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or crumbled soft cheese to turn your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe into a substantial lunch. The salad’s refreshing flavors pair nicely with mild, creamy, or nutty add-ins.
What other herbs could I use if I don’t have mint?
Fresh basil is a wonderful swap that complements strawberries beautifully. Cilantro or tarragon can add unique twists, making it easy to customize your salad based on what’s in your fridge or garden.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a pop of color, crunch, and bright flavor to your table, you have to give the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe a try. It’s a little bit unexpected and a whole lot delightful, perfect for impressing guests or just delighting yourself on any sunny afternoon. Enjoy every juicy, refreshing bite!
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Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish. The juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, and zesty dressing create a colorful and flavorful combination that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish.
- You can also add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy element.
- For extra crunch, toss in some chopped almonds or pistachios just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
