Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a light tangy dressing. Optional additions of creamy cheese and crunchy nuts create a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal as a side or light main dish for warm days.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts (toasted, optional)
Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Hull and slice strawberries into thin pieces. Thinly slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons to ensure a crisp texture that complements the strawberries.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to create a balanced, tangy, and slightly sweet dressing.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, fresh herbs like mint or basil, and crumbled cheese if using, to layer flavors and textures.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without crushing the delicate fruit.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter, sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds and additional herbs on top for crunch and freshness. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries to ensure the best texture and sweetness.
- Persian or English cucumbers are ideal because they are tender, sweet, and nearly seedless.
- Add greens such as arugula or spinach to bulk up the salad for a more filling main dish.
- Swap out cheese or nuts to accommodate dietary preferences or allergies.
- For make-ahead convenience, store salad components and dressing separately, then assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
