If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and colors, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfect for warm days or as a delightful side, the combination of crisp, cool cucumbers with sweet, juicy strawberries creates a refreshing harmony in every bite. Tossed in a light honey-lime dressing accented with fresh mint, this salad is not only easy to make but also elevates your mealtime with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous notes. It’s the kind of simple yet stunning dish that you’ll want to share with all your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad right is really about selecting fresh, quality ingredients that each bring their own unique texture and flavor to the bowl. These simple ingredients come together beautifully, making this salad as colorful as it is delicious.
- Strawberries (1 ½ cup, chilled, hulled, and quartered or sliced): Fresh, ripe strawberries bring a sweet juiciness and vibrant red hue that brightens the salad.
- Cucumber (2 cups, thinly sliced and chilled): Crisp cucumbers add a refreshing crunch and a mild flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Honey (1 ½ tablespoon): Natural sweetness that binds the dressing and complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, good quality): Adds a subtle richness and smooth texture to the dressing.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed): Brings zesty brightness and a tangy lift to the flavors.
- Fresh mint (1 ½ teaspoon, plus more for garnish): The herbaceous freshness of mint rounds out the salad with a lovely aromatic touch.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
The magic starts with the dressing. Whisk together honey, olive oil, lime juice, and finely chopped fresh mint in a small bowl, or if you prefer, seal these ingredients in a mason jar and shake vigorously. This dressing brings a luscious blend of sweet, tangy, and herbal notes that marry perfectly with the fresh produce.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and the fresh strawberries. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything lightly, ensuring every piece is coated but not mushy. This light tossing keeps the textures intact and the flavors balanced.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Finish your salad by seasoning it with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, which enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them. Garnish with extra sprigs of fresh mint before serving to add a beautiful, aromatic touch. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness. If you prefer, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving the next day.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnish touches can make this salad practically irresistible. Fresh mint leaves not only look stunning but also intensify the refreshing flavor. For a bit of texture and a little crunch, toasted sliced almonds or lightly crushed pistachios are fantastic. A light sprinkle of crumbled feta can introduce a salty tang that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main courses. Think grilled chicken, seared fish, or even a light pasta. It’s also a fantastic complement to summer barbecues and picnic spreads, balancing out heavier or smoky dishes with its crisp, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this cucumber strawberry salad in individual mason jars or clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. Layering the ingredients can create an eye-catching parfait effect. Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or arugula for added volume and a peppery counterpoint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to preserve the cucumbers’ crunch and strawberries’ freshness. When ready to enjoy again, toss the salad with dressing just before serving.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended because cucumbers and strawberries both have a high water content and will lose their crispness and texture once thawed. For the freshest experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. The fresh ingredients shine brightest when served as-is, so heating it would compromise its delightful crunch and refreshing quality.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are definitely preferred because they offer the best texture and flavor. Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy once thawed, which can make the salad watery and less visually appealing.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this cucumber strawberry salad recipe are plant-based, making it an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be used as a substitute and will provide a similar citrusy brightness. Lime juice offers a slightly more tropical tartness, but lemon is a fine alternative.
How long does the salad keep its freshness in the fridge?
When stored properly with the dressing kept separate, the salad can stay fresh for about 1 to 2 days. Beyond that, the cucumbers and strawberries start to lose their texture and juicy crispness.
What other herbs can I use instead of mint?
If you don’t have fresh mint on hand, fresh basil works surprisingly well and gives the salad a slightly different but delightful aromatic twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, nutritious ingredients that come together effortlessly to make a dish bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side, or a vibrant snack, this salad ticks all the boxes. Give it a try—you’re going to love how simple ingredients can transform into something so delicious and refreshing.
Print
Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad featuring a sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing infused with fresh mint, perfect for a light and healthy snack or side dish.
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 olive oil, good quality
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ½ teaspoon fresh mint + more for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or a tightly sealed mason jar, mix honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint. Stir or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and quartered strawberries. Drizzle the freshly prepared dressing over the fruits and vegetables, then toss lightly to ensure even coating without bruising the delicate ingredients.
- Season and serve: Season the salad lightly with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with additional fresh mint leaves for a burst of color and aroma, and serve immediately. Alternatively, refrigerate to allow flavors to meld further before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh, chilled ingredients for best taste and texture.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust honey based on desired sweetness, especially if strawberries are very ripe.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor (optional).
