If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with delightful flavors, this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Combining juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and the creamy tang of feta cheese, it’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing notes that will brighten up any meal or serve as a fantastic snack. The fresh herbs and zesty dressing tie everything together for an irresistible salad that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is unbelievably simple, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in its success. From the juicy strawberries providing sweetness to the cool cucumbers adding crispness, every component contributes to an inviting mix of colors, textures, and flavors.
- 2 cups chopped strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers: Opt for firm cucumbers and slice them thin for the perfect crunch.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Fresh basil and mint leaves (10-20 leaves combined): These herbs introduce a fresh, aromatic lift to the salad.
- Olive oil and lemon juice (for dressing): The dressing keeps everything light while enhancing flavors with brightness and richness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that balances the flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fruit and Veggies
Start by rinsing your strawberries under cold water to make sure they’re clean and fresh. Pat them dry gently to avoid sogginess, then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Next, slice your cucumbers into thin rounds to add a crisp texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy berries.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped strawberries, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss in the fresh basil and mint leaves, which not only add a burst of color but also infuse the salad with aromatic freshness that will tantalize your taste buds.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing is key to elevating all the ingredients by adding a zesty and silky coating that binds the salad together without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad mixture, then toss everything gently but thoroughly. This ensures every bite is consistently flavorful and beautifully combined, ready to serve immediately or chill for a bit to deepen the flavors.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To dress up your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some extra feta on top or adding a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios for added crunch. A few whole basil or mint leaves scattered over the top will make this dish look like it belongs in a gourmet restaurant.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken or fish, making it a light and refreshing partner for richer mains. You can also pair it with some crusty bread or quinoa for a more complete meal that stays fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or stack it in clear glass jars for an appealing layered look. You might also want to sprinkle edible flower petals on top to dazzle your guests with color and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days, as the cucumbers and strawberries can release moisture and become soggy over time.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruit and veggies’ high water content, which can become mushy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or prepared just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Because this salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, reheating is not recommended. Instead, freshen it up with an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt if you find the flavors need a little pep after refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta salata are excellent alternatives that bring a similar creamy tang, though feta remains the traditional choice to keep the authentic flavor profile.
What type of cucumbers work best in this salad?
English cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a crisp texture, which hold up nicely in the salad without becoming watery.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
It’s a quick and easy dish that takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Adding avocado slices, red onion, or even some berries like blueberries can add complexity, but make sure to balance flavors to maintain that refreshing vibe.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
You can easily make it vegan by omitting the feta cheese or replacing it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe feels like giving you a little sunshine on a plate. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and packed with flavors that dance beautifully together. Whether you’re serving it as a side, taking it to a picnic, or just looking for a quick healthy snack, this salad is guaranteed to become a new favorite. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
Print
Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Cucumber Salad featuring sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and fragrant fresh basil and mint, all tossed in a light olive oil and lemon juice dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish to complement any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 10–20 fresh basil and mint leaves, combined
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Rinse strawberries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel and slice into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Slice Cucumbers: Wash cucumbers and cut into thin rounds to add crisp texture to the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped strawberries, sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and the fresh basil and mint leaves for a burst of flavor.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a light and tangy dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Toss gently with care to coat all ingredients without breaking the fruit and herbs, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest taste and best texture, or chill briefly before serving to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and flavor.
- If desired, substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta.
- Chill ingredients before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of your feta cheese.
