Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a tangy dressing. This light salad is perfect as a side dish or a healthy snack, featuring optional toppings like crumbled cheese and toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts (toasted, optional)
Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, and thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons to ensure even bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice (or balsamic vinegar), honey (or maple syrup), olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, chopped fresh herbs (mint or basil), and crumbled cheese if using. The cheese will add a creamy texture and tanginess but can be omitted if preferred.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss the ingredients to coat them evenly without bruising the delicate strawberries.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the tossed salad to a serving platter. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds over the top along with any additional fresh herbs for extra flavor and crunch. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and sweetness.
- Persian or English cucumbers are ideal due to their tender skin, sweet flavor, and minimal seeds.
- Add leafy greens such as arugula or spinach to bulk up the salad if serving as a main dish.
- Swap out the cheese or nuts to accommodate different dietary preferences or allergies.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, or flatbreads as a light and flavorful side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
