Cucumber Strawberry Salad – Fresh & Healthy Summer Salad Recipe
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a fresh, healthy, and colorful summer salad with crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries, red onion, and herbs. An easy salad recipe perfect for light meals or side dishes.
Equipment
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large salad bowl
- Whisk or fork (for dressing)
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Optional: salad spinner to dry cucumbers and herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2–3 cucumbers (English or seedless), sliced or diced
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- ¼ cup toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans
- Fresh herbs: mint, basil, or parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Vegetables and Fruit:Slice cucumbers evenly. Hull and slice strawberries. Thinly slice red onion if using.
- Make Dressing:Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Toss Salad:Combine cucumbers, strawberries, and any optional add-ins in a large bowl. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish and Serve:Sprinkle with fresh herbs or nuts. Optionally, crumble feta or goat cheese on top. Serve immediately or chill 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Bold Tip: Toss gently to avoid bruising strawberries and turning them mushy.
Notes
- Use firm cucumbers for crunch.
- Select ripe, fragrant strawberries for natural sweetness.
- Pat cucumbers dry to prevent watery salad.
- Add dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
- Optional add-ins like nuts or cheese can be added just before serving for texture.
- Variations: add spinach or arugula, citrus segments, balsamic glaze, or make vegan/nut-free versions.
- Best served fresh, but can refrigerate for up to 1 day if prepared ahead (keep dressing separate).