Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing and vibrant salad that’s bursting with color and flavor, the Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful combination of cool, crisp cucumbers and sweet, juicy strawberries is perfectly balanced with a zesty honey-lime dressing and fresh mint, creating a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you want a light lunch, a stunning side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad delivers freshness in every bite and is incredibly easy to whip up in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together to make this salad a true showstopper. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors you will love.
- Strawberries (1 ½ cup): Use ripe, chilled strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber (2 cups): Thinly sliced and chilled, it adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
- Honey (1 ½ tablespoon): A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of lime and complements the fruitiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A good-quality olive oil brings richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed lime juice injects bright acidity to awaken the salad’s flavors.
- Fresh mint (1 ½ teaspoon plus more for garnish): Mint adds a cool, aromatic note that elevates the overall freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the dressing
Start by whisking together honey, olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and finely chopped fresh mint. You can do this either in a small bowl or a tightly sealed mason jar for easy shaking. This simple dressing is the secret to tying all the flavors together, creating a luscious coating that’s light yet flavorful.
Step 2: Assemble the salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the sliced cucumbers and quartered strawberries. Right after, drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit and vegetable mix. Lightly toss everything together to ensure every bite is perfectly coated without squishing the delicate strawberries.
Step 3: Season and serve
Finish by sprinkling salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves for a bright pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy its crisp texture and vibrant freshness, or chill for a short time if you want it extra cold.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are the classic finish that adds a refreshing aroma and bursts of green against the red and white salad base. You can also sprinkle some toasted slivered almonds or crumbled feta for a crunchy, savory twist that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a light side to grilled chicken, fish, or pork. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled vegetable platters or quinoa bowls, giving you a refreshing counterpoint to richer, heartier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe in hollowed-out cucumbers or strawberry cups as individual appetizers. Layer it in clear glass jars or bowls to showcase its colorful layers for picnics or elegant gatherings. A sprinkle of edible flowers can make it a showstopper on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible, then toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to preserve the freshest texture of cucumbers and strawberries.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the watery nature of cucumbers and strawberries. Freezing would make the texture mushy and compromise the vibrant flavors.
Reheating
Since this salad is meant to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. Simply enjoy it chilled or at room temperature after pulling from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the honey in the Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as natural alternatives if you want a vegan option or prefer a different sweetness profile. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
What type of cucumber is best for this salad?
English cucumbers are a great choice because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, adding a tender bite. Regular cucumbers work too, just make sure to slice them thinly for the best texture.
How long can I prep the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately a few hours in advance. For maximum freshness, combine everything no more than 30 minutes before serving.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced avocado, red onion, or even blueberries can add exciting new layers. Just keep the balance of sweet, crisp, and fresh flavors in mind to maintain the salad’s charm.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and refreshing choice for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a little burst of sunshine in every forkful. It’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly simple to make, which makes it perfect for any season. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how a few fresh, wholesome ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Give it a go and watch it become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
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Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining chilled strawberries and thinly sliced cucumbers tossed in a honey-lime dressing with fresh mint. This light and healthy salad is perfect as a quick snack or a side dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup strawberries, chilled, hulled, and quartered or sliced into 3–4 pieces
- 2 cups sliced cucumber, chilled, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh mint, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or a tightly sealed mason jar, combine honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint. Stir or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to create a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, place the chilled sliced cucumbers and prepared strawberries. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the fruit and vegetable mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure every piece is coated with the dressing without bruising the delicate strawberries.
- Season and serve: Season the salad lightly with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra aroma. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld for later serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Adjust honey quantity according to desired sweetness.
- For a tangier dressing, add a little extra lime juice.
- This salad is best served cold and consumed within 24 hours.
- Great as a side dish to grilled meats or as a light, healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
