If you’re searching for a refreshing burst of flavor that feels like a cool breeze on a sunny afternoon, look no further than this Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s a delightful dance of crisp cucumbers and juicy strawberries, elevated by a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing and a hint of fresh mint. Every bite is a harmony of textures and tastes that feels as vibrant as it looks, making it a perfect dish to brighten up any meal or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad’s magic truly lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor, but also for the balance they bring—crunch, sweetness, acidity, and herbaceous freshness all come together effortlessly in this vibrant mix.
- Cucumber: Choose a firm, fresh cucumber for crispiness that adds a refreshing crunch.
- Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries to give the salad its sweet, succulent pop.
- Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to create a smooth, luscious base for the dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar: This adds the perfect tangy depth that complements both cucumber and strawberries beautifully.
- Honey: Just a touch to bring a natural sweetness that balances the acidity of balsamic vinegar.
- Salt: Enhances and brightens all the flavors in the salad.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild spice for complexity.
- Fresh mint: Finely chopped mint infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous aroma that livens every bite.
How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber
Start by washing your cucumber thoroughly, then slice it into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Thin slices ensure each bite has that perfect crunch without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Pop them into a large mixing bowl to set the stage for the fruitier additions.
Step 2: Slice the Strawberries
Next, rinse your strawberries and hull them—that means removing the green leafy top—then slice them into pieces about 1/4-inch thick. The thicker slices give a juicy burst amidst the crunch of the cucumber, and when added to the bowl, they bring a lovely splash of red color.
Step 3: Whisk the Balsamic Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything vigorously until the dressing is smooth and slightly glossy. This vinaigrette is where all the flavors meld—sweetness, tang, and spice—creating the salad’s vibrant personality.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat every slice without bruising the berries. This ensures an even flavor throughout and keeps the ingredients looking as fresh and colorful as possible.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Mint
Sprinkle the finely chopped mint leaves over the salad and toss gently once more. The mint’s bright, slightly cooling taste lifts the entire dish, turning it into a refreshing treat that’s absolutely irresistible to dive into.
How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To make your salad really pop at the table, consider garnishing with a few whole mint leaves or even a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty contrast. A handful of toasted walnuts or sliced almonds also adds a wonderful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft strawberries and crisp cucumber.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a light side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky, savory main courses. It also pairs beautifully with sandwiches or wraps, making lunch feel special and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or small glass jars layered for a picnic-ready treat. You could even pile it atop a bed of peppery arugula for extra bite or toss in some crumbled goat cheese to enhance its creamy tang.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the cucumbers’ crisp texture and the strawberries’ fresh juiciness. Enjoy within a day or two for the best experience.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The cucumbers will become watery and mushy upon thawing, losing that delightful crunch, and the strawberries will lose their vibrant texture as well.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve its fresh, bright flavors. Avoid reheating as heat will wilt the cucumbers and diminish the fresh quality that makes this salad so wonderful.
FAQs
Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar with another type?
Yes, you can—but balsamic vinegar is key to the signature sweet-tart balance. If you don’t have it on hand, a good quality red wine or apple cider vinegar with a little extra honey can work in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This recipe is vegan-friendly since all ingredients are plant-based. Just double-check your honey; for strict vegans, you might swap it out for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Adding avocado slices, thinly sliced red onion, or crumbled goat cheese can add exciting layers of flavor. Blueberries or mandarin orange segments make for delicious fruit complements as well.
How long does the salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?
For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best enjoyed within a couple of hours after dressing it. The cucumbers and strawberries start to release water over time, which can make the salad soggy.
What’s the best way to slice the cucumber for this salad?
Slicing the cucumber thinly into rounds about 1/8-inch thick lets the flavors meld beautifully and makes the salad easy to eat. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent, thin slices.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe enough. It’s one of those fresh, bright dishes that feels effortless but leaves a memorable impression every single time. Whether it’s a quick weeknight side or a star at your next potluck, this salad brings a perfect pop of color and flavor that’s hard to resist. Go ahead and make it your new favorite!
Print
Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad combines crisp cucumber slices with sweet strawberries, tossed in a light balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh mint. Perfect as a vibrant side dish for spring and summer meals, this salad balances sweet, tangy, and herbal flavors effortlessly.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cups strawberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: Wash the cucumber thoroughly and slice it into thin rounds about 1/8-inch thick. Place these slices into a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water, hull them by removing the green tops, then slice into thin pieces about 1/4-inch thick. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the cucumber.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture and gently toss to coat the pieces evenly without mashing them.
- Add fresh herbs and serve: Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint leaves over the salad and toss lightly again. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use organic strawberries and cucumber when possible for enhanced flavor and texture.
- This salad is best served fresh; storing it for too long may cause the cucumber and strawberries to release excess water.
- For a vegan version, confirm the honey substitute or omit it; agave syrup or maple syrup can be used instead.
- To add a crunch element, consider topping with toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese if not avoiding dairy.
