Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe

If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing dish that’s bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, I absolutely love sharing my Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe with friends. It’s one of those unexpected combos that just works beautifully—cool cucumbers paired with juicy strawberries, all brightened up with a zesty lemon dressing. Seriously, my family goes crazy for this salad every time I make it, and I bet you will, too! Plus, it’s super quick and easy, making it a perfect choice whether you’re throwing a casual lunch or need a simple side for dinner.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are fresh and straightforward, and together they create a beautiful harmony. Choosing ripe strawberries and crisp cucumbers really makes all the difference, and I’ll share some tips to get the best out of each one.

• Strawberries: Look for firm, ripe berries that have a rich color and fragrant aroma for maximum sweetness and texture.
• English or Persian Cucumbers: These varieties tend to be tender and less seedy, which I find perfect for a delicate salad like this.
• Crumbled Feta or Goat Cheese: Optional, but it adds a lovely creamy, tangy element that contrasts beautifully with the fruit.
• Fresh Mint or Basil: Fresh herbs brighten the salad and add a lovely, fragrant note—feel free to pick what you prefer or have on hand.
• Slivered Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, or Walnuts: Toasted nuts or seeds add crunch and nuttiness—totally optional, but I can’t recommend them enough.
• Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar: I always opt for fresh lemon juice here because it lends a vibrant zing, but balsamic works if you want a sweeter depth.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Just a touch to balance the tartness and bring everything together.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth dressing base.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season and enhance all those fresh flavors.

Variations

What I really love about this Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks and still come out with something tasty. Whether you want to keep it dairy-free, add more crunch, or bulk it up for a main meal, there are plenty of ways to customize it.

• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped the feta for avocado chunks or left the cheese out entirely when hosting friends who avoid dairy, and it’s just as fresh and delicious.
• Added Greens: Sometimes I toss in arugula or baby spinach to turn this into a fuller salad—great for a light lunch or side dish.
• Swap Nuts or Seeds: If walnuts aren’t your thing, toasted pumpkin seeds or pecans work beautifully for a different texture and flavor.
• Alternate Dressings: I’ve played around with using a honey-balsamic dressing when I want a deeper, sweeter vibe—it’s a nice twist!

How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by washing your strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly—and pat them dry so the salad isn’t watery. Hull and slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces. For cucumbers, thin rounds or half-moons work nicely; I usually slice English cucumbers thin because they’re tender and nearly seedless, but if you’re using regular cucumbers, you might want to scoop out the seeds first to avoid extra liquid. Getting your cuts uniform makes the salad look prettier and ensures each bite has a good flavor balance.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Lemon Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan touch), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing emulsifies into a smooth, slightly thick mixture. Taste it and adjust—sometimes I add a little extra honey if the lemon bites too sharp, or more lemon juice if I want that fresh acidity to pop. This dressing is the magic that pulls the whole salad together, so don’t be shy about seasoning it well!

Step 3: Assemble and Toss Gently

In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, your choice of fresh herbs, and cheese if you’re using it. Drizzle half the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss—here’s where you want to be careful not to mash those berries. Light, gentle folding ensures the dressing coats without turning the salad into a soggy mess. If you mix it too roughly, strawberries can break down, and the salad will lose its fresh texture.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Transfer the salad onto your favorite serving platter. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds on top along with any extra herbs for a bright finish. Then drizzle the remaining lemon dressing over everything for extra zing. I like serving this right away to keep all the textures crisp and fresh, though it holds nicely in the fridge for a little while.

How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with extra fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of toasted almonds to add that lovely color and texture contrast. Sometimes a grating of lemon zest on top adds an extra brightness that my guests particularly enjoy. If you like a bit of heat, a tiny pinch of chili flakes works surprisingly well!

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. I’ve served it alongside baked salmon and garlic flatbreads, and it was a hit every time. It’s also fantastic as part of a summer picnic spread with light sandwiches or tapas-style dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this salad in individual glass jars or pretty bowls layered with mixed greens at the bottom, then the salad on top—makes it look so inviting! You can also arrange cucumber and strawberry slices in a fan or spiral pattern on a large platter and drizzle the lemon dressing artistically for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but I keep the dressing separated if I plan to save it for more than a few hours. If already dressed, try to eat it within a day to maintain the best texture, as the strawberries begin to release their juices.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the fresh fruit and cucumbers, which become watery and mushy after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t something I’d suggest. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, just bring it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe is one of those easy, fail-proof dishes that I keep coming back to, especially on warmer days when I want something light but packed with flavors. I love that it feels fancy but takes hardly any time to pull together. When you give it a try, I bet you’ll find it becomes one of your go-to salads too—perfect for impressing guests or just brightening up an everyday meal. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share this gem with your favorite people!

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