Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining sweet, crisp strawberries with cool, crunchy cucumbers, enhanced by a tangy lemon-honey dressing, fresh herbs, and optional creamy cheese and toasted nuts for texture. Perfect as a light side or a healthy snack, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh summer flavors.
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 to remove any grit. Hull and slice the strawberries into even pieces and thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons to ensure a uniform texture in the salad.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for balance.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, chopped fresh herbs (mint or basil), and crumbled feta or goat cheese if using. This blend creates a fresh and flavorful base.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the mixture to coat everything evenly, being careful not to crush the delicate fruit and keep the textures intact.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds and additional fresh herbs on top for extra flavor and crunch. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries to ensure the best texture and sweetness in the salad.
- Persian or English cucumbers are ideal because they are tender, sweet, and nearly seedless, preventing excess wateriness.
- For a heartier version, add greens like arugula or spinach to bulk up the salad as a main dish.
- Swap out the cheese or nuts to accommodate different dietary needs or preferences.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the salad components separately and 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: 110
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
