Fresh Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe: A Zippy Summer Delight

Summers heat up perfectly with a refreshing strawberry cucumber salad that combines unexpected flavors.

Cool crisp ingredients dance together in delightful harmony.

Unexpected pairings create magic on your plate.

Sweet berries complement crunchy cucumber slices for a delectable bite.

Lightweight and zesty, this dish brings vibrant colors to any meal.

Simple ingredients make this recipe a quick and delicious solution for hungry moments.

You’ll adore how fast and easy this salad comes together, promising a burst of freshness in every forkful.

Quick Strawberry Cucumber Salad With Fresh Ingredients

• Savor Speedy Preparation: This recipe comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy cooks who want a fresh and vibrant dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Celebrate Seasonal Freshness: Packed with crisp cucumbers and juicy strawberries, the salad bursts with summer flavors that highlight the best of seasonal produce.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a light side dish, this salad appeals to both health-conscious guests and those seeking a delightful flavor combination.
• Embrace Simple Elegance: With just a few ingredients and a quick dressing, this recipe proves that delicious meals don't require complicated techniques or hard-to-find components.

Ingredients Needed for Quick Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add a bright, fresh flavor to the salad.
• Cucumbers: Crisp and cool vegetables that provide a refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy vegetable that adds a zesty bite to the salad.
• Fresh Mint: Aromatic herb that brings a cool and refreshing note to the dish.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that adds a rich, tangy element to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Golden Balsamic Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Pepper: Flavorful combination that creates a light and zesty dressing to enhance the salad's taste.

How to Make Quick Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice Fresh Produce

Wash all the ingredients thoroughly under cool running water. Take each strawberry and slice it into four equal wedges, creating beautiful triangular pieces that will add visual appeal to your salad.

Next, dice the cucumbers into small, uniform cubes that will provide a crisp texture. Finely chop the red onion into delicate pieces that will distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.

Cut the feta cheese into small, bite-sized cubes that will crumble softly in your mouth.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Dressing

Grab a small mixing bowl and pour in your favorite olive oil.

Add golden balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy undertone. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile.

Sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper to enhance the overall taste. Whisk all these ingredients together until they create a smooth, well-blended dressing that will coat each ingredient perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble and Toss Salad

• Strawberry wedges
• Cucumber cubes
• Chopped red onion
• Feta cheese cubes

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a large spoon to carefully toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a delightful coating of the zesty dressing.

Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their peak.

Tips to Keep Strawberry Cucumber Salad Crisp

• Cut strawberries and cucumbers into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of flavors and easy eating.
• Add mint leaves just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and prevent wilting, keeping the salad crisp and aromatic.
• Use high-quality feta with a creamy texture that crumbles easily, enhancing the salad's overall taste and mouthfeel.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated vinaigrette that coats each ingredient evenly.
• Enjoy the salad immediately after tossing to preserve the ingredients' texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Variations to Change Up Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Summer Garden Medley: Replace strawberries with ripe watermelon chunks, add grilled zucchini strips, and swap golden balsamic for white wine vinegar for a lighter summer feel.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate diced kalamata olives, replace mint with fresh oregano, use crumbled goat cheese instead of feta, and add a touch of za'atar spice blend.
• Protein Power Salad: Mix in grilled chicken breast pieces, swap red onion for shallots, sprinkle toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with a honey-dijon vinaigrette for extra protein and crunch.

Pairings That Work Well With Cucumber Salad

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the salad's bright, tangy flavors and enhance the fresh cucumber and strawberry notes.
• Pair with Light Summer Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or seared shrimp to create a balanced meal that matches the salad's delicate and refreshing character.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the zesty dressing and provide a delightful textural contrast to the crisp salad ingredients.
• Balance with Chilled Sparkling Water: Infuse with cucumber or mint to mirror the salad's ingredients and provide a hydrating, palate-cleansing accompaniment that doesn't overpower the delicate flavors.

Proper Storage for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Before storing, drain any accumulated liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and strawberries will lose their crisp texture and become mushy.

If the salad seems slightly wilted, add a sprinkle of fresh mint and a quick toss to revive the flavors before serving again.

FAQs

• What makes this salad refreshing?

The combination of juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and zesty dressing creates a light and cool flavor profile perfect for summer days.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately after mixing to keep the ingredients crisp and prevent the salad from becoming watery. If preparing in advance, keep ingredients and dressing separate until just before serving.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables, low in calories, and contains protein from feta cheese. It’s a nutritious and delicious option for a quick meal or side dish.

• What can I substitute if I don't have golden balsamic vinegar?

Regular white balsamic or apple cider vinegar work well as alternatives, maintaining the salad’s bright and tangy flavor profile.

Quick Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cool summer vibes meet fresh ingredients in this Strawberry Cucumber Salad, blending sweet and crisp flavors. Light and refreshing, you’ll enjoy this simple dish that perfectly balances seasonal produce with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Produce Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) strawberries, quartered
• 4 cups (600 grams) cucumbers, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup (15 grams) fresh mint, minced

Cheese and Oil Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese, cubed
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) golden balsamic vinegar

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Slice strawberries into bite-sized wedges, ensuring uniform pieces for balanced flavor and presentation.
2. Dice cucumbers and red onion into neat, small cubes to create a harmonious texture and even distribution of ingredients.
3. Crumble feta cheese into delicate, scattered pieces that will blend seamlessly with the salad components.
4. Finely chop fresh mint leaves to release their aromatic essence and distribute herbs throughout the dish.
5. Craft the dressing by whisking golden balsamic vinegar, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and cracked black pepper in a small mixing bowl until ingredients emulsify and create a smooth, cohesive blend.
6. Transfer prepared strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, feta, and mint into a spacious serving bowl.
7. Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, using gentle folding motions to coat ingredients without crushing delicate elements.
8. Allow salad to rest for 2-3 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve chilled for optimal taste and refreshing experience.

Notes

• Chill ingredients beforehand to enhance the refreshing texture and keep the salad crisp and cool.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp cucumbers for maximum flavor and vibrant color in the salad.
• Consider swapping feta with vegan cheese or omitting for a dairy-free version that’s equally delicious.
• Prep ingredients just before serving to maintain the salad’s brightness and prevent soggy textures.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 196 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 285 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 16 mg