Name: Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cucumber; 2 cups strawberries; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh mint

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Why Make This Recipe

Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together the cool crunch of cucumber with the sweet juiciness of strawberries. This salad is perfect for hot summer days, quick snacks, or light lunches. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients. The combination of cucumbers and strawberries offers a refreshing taste that’s sure to please everyone.

How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

1 cucumber
2 cups strawberries
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh mint

Directions

Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under cold running water.
Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
Place the sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl.
Rinse the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Pat the strawberries dry gently with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Hull the strawberries by cutting off the green leafy tops using a paring knife.
Slice the strawberries into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick, and add them to the bowl with the cucumber slices.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
Whisk the ingredients together until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Sprinkle the salt and black pepper into the bowl with the olive oil, vinegar, and honey mixture.
Whisk again to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber and strawberry slices in the mixing bowl.
Gently toss the cucumber and strawberries with the dressing, making sure each slice is coated.
Wash the fresh mint leaves under cold water.
Pat the mint leaves dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
Stack the mint leaves on top of each other and slice them into thin ribbons, also known as chiffonade.
Add the freshly sliced mint to the bowl with the cucumber and strawberry mixture.
Toss everything together one last time to evenly distribute the mint throughout the salad.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as desired.
Let the salad sit for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve, but make sure to enjoy within a few hours for the best texture.

How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This salad is best served fresh. You can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light main course. It’s also great for picnics or potlucks. Just make sure to give it a good toss before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly coated on all the ingredients.

How to Store Cucumber Strawberry Salad

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the salad within a few hours for the best texture. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Tips to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness.
Try to slice the cucumber and strawberries evenly for a better presentation.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
If you want to make it heartier, consider adding feta cheese or walnuts.

Variations

You can experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries or mango. For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing. You can also replace the mint with fresh basil for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to serve it fresh. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate.

2. What can I serve the salad with?
Cucumber Strawberry Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or as a light lunch on its own.

3. Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener.

Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 15
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh and vibrant salad combining the cool crunch of cucumber with the sweet juiciness of strawberries, perfect for summer days.

Instructions

Wash cucumber under cold water and slice it into thin rounds.
Place cucumber slices in a large mixing bowl.
Rinse and hull the strawberries, then slice them and add to the cucumber.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined.
Season the dressing with salt and pepper, and whisk again.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberries; toss gently.
Wash and chiffonade the mint leaves and add to the salad, tossing once more.
Adjust seasoning as needed, and let sit for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve immediately or refrigerate, enjoying within a few hours for best texture.