If you’re on the hunt for a refreshingly vibrant dish that combines the sweet juiciness of fruit with crisp, cool veggies, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is an absolute delight. It’s a perfect medley of crunchy cucumber and succulent strawberries, kissed by a zesty lime and honey dressing that elevates every bite. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side dish for your summer barbecue, or just a way to brighten your day with fresh flavors, this salad is sure to become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this salad fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing out textures and flavors, making the whole experience truly spectacular. From the fresh, chilled strawberries adding sweetness and color to the crisp cucumbers offering a cool crunch, everything comes together perfectly.
- Strawberries, 1 ½ cups, chilled, hulled, and quartered: Use ripe, sweet berries for maximum flavor and a burst of natural juiciness.
- Cucumber, 2 cups, thinly sliced and chilled: Thin slices ensure a delicate crunch and help the dressing mingle evenly.
- Honey, 1 ½ tablespoons: Adds natural sweetness that balances the lime’s tartness.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon, good quality: A smooth, fruity oil enriches the dressing and helps everything glisten beautifully.
- Lime juice, 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed: Fresh lime juice brings brightness and a refreshing tang to the salad.
- Fresh mint, 1 ½ teaspoons chopped plus extra for garnish: Adds an herbaceous, cooling note that complements both fruit and cucumber.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the natural ingredients.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by combining the honey, olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chopped fresh mint in a small bowl or a mason jar with a tight lid. Stir or shake the mixture vigorously until everything is perfectly blended. This dressing is what ties the salad’s sweet and tangy notes together, so take your time to get it just right.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and gently combine the chilled cucumber slices with the quartered strawberries. Pour your well-mixed dressing over the fruits and veggies, then toss lightly—just enough to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate berries. This salad thrives on freshness and balance, so a gentle touch is key.
Step 3: Season and Serve
Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the salad to bring out the flavors even more. Finish off with a few extra sprigs of fresh mint for that aromatic pop. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the crisp textures at their best, or refrigerate for a bit if you prefer it extra chilled. Either way, this salad is a showstopper.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the salad’s natural beauty and flavor with extra mint leaves scattered on top or a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. A few thin lime slices or edible flowers can also add a pretty, fragrant touch that impresses at any meal.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh seafood, or even a creamy cheese platter. Its refreshing character cuts through rich dishes, making it a fantastic companion for summer BBQs and casual dinners alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or chilled glass bowls. Layering the salad in a clear trifle dish creates an eye-catching effect that highlights the vivid colors. You might also skewer strawberries and cucumber slices for an easy-to-eat appetizer with a drizzle of dressing on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within one to two days to maintain the crispness of the cucumber and the freshness of the strawberries.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing since the fresh cucumbers and strawberries will lose their texture and become mushy after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh each time.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad meant to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. Instead, simply give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been stored in the fridge to redistribute the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Absolutely! While strawberries provide a lovely sweetness and color, you can experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even diced peaches for a different twist. Just keep in mind how the flavors blend with the cucumber and mint.
Is there a substitute for honey in the dressing?
If you prefer a vegan option or don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave nectar works well as a natural sweetener and will keep the dressing’s balance intact.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a party?
You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to toss the salad just before serving to preserve the fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
What type of cucumber is best for this recipe?
Seedless cucumbers like Persian or English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which makes the texture more pleasant and less watery.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Drain off any excess moisture from the cucumbers before mixing, and toss the salad gently. Also, avoid adding the dressing too far ahead of time. Serve the salad soon after tossing for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create a dish bursting with life and flavor. It’s fresh, easy to make, and wonderfully versatile, guaranteed to brighten up any meal or snack time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this colorful salad in your regular rotation—it’s that good!
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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: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining crisp cucumbers and sweet strawberries, tossed in a tangy honey-lime dressing with fresh mint. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 ½ cup strawberries, chilled, hulled, and quartered or sliced into 3–4 pieces
- 2 cups sliced cucumber, chilled, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 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 together the honey, olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and fresh mint. Stir or shake well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and fragrant dressing.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and quartered or sliced strawberries. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss lightly to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising the fruit.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use, with extra dressing on the side if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Make sure cucumbers and strawberries are well chilled to keep the salad refreshing.
- The salad can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld but is best eaten fresh.
- For a vegan version, ensure the honey is substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Add a pinch of salt to the dressing if you prefer a more balanced flavor.
