If you are looking for a refreshing and vibrant salad that brilliantly balances sweet and tangy flavors, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the crisp freshness of cucumbers with the bright sweetness of strawberries, all tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing with fresh mint, this salad is a sensational way to brighten any meal or enjoy as a light snack. It’s incredibly simple to make yet impressively flavorful, making it a go-to recipe for warm days or whenever you need a burst of freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is how effortlessly the ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed dish. Each element plays a vital role: the strawberries lend natural sweetness and vibrant color, cucumbers add crunch and coolness, while the honey, lime, and fresh mint tie it all together with a delightful zing and freshness.
- Strawberries (1 ½ cup): Choose ripe, chilled strawberries for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- Cucumber (2 cups): Thinly sliced and chilled to add a crisp, refreshing texture.
- Honey (1 ½ tablespoon): Provides a natural sweetness that balances the tart lime juice.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth richness.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Fresh mint (1 ½ teaspoon plus extra): Adds a cool, herbal note and an aromatic freshness.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by mixing the dressing ingredients: honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint. Whisk them together in a small bowl or shake vigorously in a sealed jar until the mixture is well combined. This dressing is the heart of the salad, brightening every bite with its sweet, tangy, and herbaceous flavor.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chilled, sliced cucumbers and quartered strawberries. These two fresh elements bring a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors that will shine once tossed in the dressing.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit and cucumber mix. Toss gently but thoroughly so that every piece is coated with the glossy, flavorful dressing. You want each bite to deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and freshness.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Lightly season the salad with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finish by garnishing with a few sprigs of fresh mint for an added burst of aroma and color. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures at their best.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are an obvious and perfect garnish, adding a spree of green that looks as good as it tastes. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts like almonds for a delightful contrast in texture and a touch of richness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making a light yet satisfying side dish that complements summer meals perfectly. It also works well alongside a hearty quinoa or couscous bowl to bring some brightness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or small glass jars for a picnic or party. Layering with alternating cucumber and strawberry slices inside a clear dish creates an eye-catching presentation that invites guests to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any left over, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within a day or two to retain the crispness of the cucumbers and freshness of the strawberries. The dressing might make it a bit juicier, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended since the cucumbers and strawberries will become mushy once thawed due to their high water content, losing that wonderful crisp and fresh texture that makes this dish so enjoyable.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. Keeping it chilled enhances the refreshing qualities that make it a standout dish in warmer weather.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their bright texture and flavor in this Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe, frozen ones can be used in a pinch. Just thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid to avoid a watery salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! Every ingredient in this salad is plant-based, making it a perfect vegan-friendly option that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be a great substitute if you don’t have lime on hand. It will give the salad a slightly different citrus note but keep that refreshing tanginess intact.
What other herbs can I use instead of mint?
Basil or cilantro can be interesting alternatives if you want to experiment with different flavors in your Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe. Each will bring its unique twist that complements the fruit and cucumber nicely.
How long does it take to make this salad?
This salad is a quick fix taking about 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days when you want something tasty and fresh without fussing too long in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe is a delightful, vibrant dish that brings a burst of summer’s best flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light snack, it’s sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and fresh notes. I encourage you to try making this salad soon—it’s a simple pleasure that’s sure to brighten your day and your meals.
Print
Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with crisp cucumbers, enhanced by a zesty honey-lime dressing and fresh mint. Perfect as a light snack or side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
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, combine honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint. Stir or shake well until the mixture is fully combined and slightly emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: Place the chilled sliced cucumbers and quartered strawberries into a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the fruit and vegetables, then toss lightly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and serve: Season the salad to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish generously with additional fresh mint leaves for extra aroma and presentation. Serve immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, chilled strawberries and cucumbers.
- You can adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours without sogginess.
- To add a crunchy texture, consider sprinkling some toasted nuts like almonds or pecans before serving.
