Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summers beckon with a delightful strawberry cucumber salad that blends crisp freshness and sweet tang.

Ripe berries mingle beautifully with cool green slices, creating a vibrant plate.

Cool cucumbers provide a delicate crunch against juicy strawberry chunks.

Subtle mint leaves add an unexpected herbal whisper to this light dish.

Sea salt and cracked pepper dance across the surface, enhancing natural flavors.

Delicate vinaigrette drizzles softly, connecting each ingredient with bright, zesty notes.

You’ll adore how quickly this simple salad comes together for an instant crowd-pleaser.

Snap a photo and savor every refreshing, colorful bite.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Strawberries: Sweet and juicy berries that add vibrant color and refreshing flavor to the salad.
• Cucumber: Crisp and cool vegetable that provides a light and hydrating element to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy ingredient that brings a pungent bite and additional texture.
• Fresh Mint: Aromatic herb that adds a bright and cooling note to the salad.

• Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty cheese that offers a rich and tangy contrast to the fresh ingredients.

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

How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Wash and Prep Produce

Thoroughly rinse strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion under cool running water. Pat them dry with clean paper towels. Remove strawberry stems and slice them into quarters. Dice cucumbers into small, uniform cubes. Thinly slice red onion into delicate rings or half-moons for a crisp texture.

Step 2: Prepare Remaining Ingredients

Crumble feta cheese into bite-sized chunks. Gently chop fresh mint leaves into fine pieces, releasing their aromatic oils. Keep ingredients separated on a cutting board for easy assembly.

Step 3: Create Tangy Dressing

• Olive oil
• Golden balsamic vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Freshly ground black pepper

Blend ingredients until they form a smooth, well-incorporated dressing with a bright, zesty profile.

Step 4: Assemble Salad

Transfer prepped ingredients into a large serving bowl. Pour dressing over the salad. Use a gentle folding motion to coat all ingredients evenly. Ensure each component gets a light, flavorful coating without crushing delicate strawberries.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Give the salad a final gentle toss. Sprinkle additional fresh mint leaves on top for extra aroma. Serve immediately to enjoy maximum freshness and crisp textures.

Pro Tips for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Slice Strategically: Cut strawberries and cucumbers into uniform sizes to ensure balanced bites and even dressing distribution.
• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and create a refreshing taste experience.
• Swap Cheese Options: Replace feta with goat cheese or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences while maintaining the salad's creamy texture.
• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal for increased nutritional value.
• Adjust Vinegar Intensity: Use white balsamic or apple cider vinegar if golden balsamic is unavailable, maintaining the dressing's bright, tangy profile.

Variation Ideas for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Watermelon Wonder: Replace strawberries with watermelon chunks for a juicy summer twist, keeping cucumber and feta for a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad.
• Vegan Green Delight: Swap feta with plant-based crumbled tofu or almond cheese, use white balsamic vinegar, and add pumpkin seeds for protein and crunch.
• Low-Carb Herb Garden: Substitute cucumber with zucchini noodles, use goat cheese instead of feta, and add fresh basil and parsley for extra herbal notes.
• Tropical Fusion: Mix in diced mango, replace red onion with green onions, and add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet and spicy version of the original salad.

Pairing Suggestions for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the salad's light, refreshing flavors. The wine's crisp acidity matches perfectly with the strawberries and cucumber.
• Create Grilled Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or light fish like tilapia. The salad's bright, zesty notes will elevate the protein's simple flavor profile and add a fresh dimension to the meal.
• Select Crusty Bread Companion: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or a light ciabatta to provide a crunchy texture contrast. The bread helps soak up the delicious dressing and balances the salad's delicate ingredients.
• Recommend Sparkling Water Accent: Enhance the dining experience with a lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water.

Storage Guidelines for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Store the salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp textures.
• Before serving leftovers, drain any accumulated liquid and gently toss to redistribute ingredients and restore freshness.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumbers and strawberries will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.
• If salad seems slightly wilted, add a few fresh mint leaves and a splash of balsamic vinegar to revive the flavors and enhance the presentation.

FAQs About Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Golden balsamic can be swapped with white balsamic or apple cider vinegar for similar bright, tangy results. Each will slightly alter the dressing’s flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

After chopping cucumbers, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps maintain the salad’s crisp texture and prevents liquid from diluting the dressing.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients. Strawberries provide vitamin C, cucumbers offer hydration, feta adds protein, and mint contributes antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie, refreshing dish perfect for light meals.

Why Strawberry Cucumber Salad Is Refreshingly Sweet

• Burst with Freshness: Packed with vibrant strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and zesty herbs, this salad delivers a refreshing flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy Prep: Chopping ingredients and mixing the dressing takes minimal effort, making this recipe perfect for busy individuals seeking a fast, nutritious meal solution.
• Perfect Summer Companion: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings, this salad brings a cool, light touch to any summer celebration with its bright colors and tangy taste.
• No-Fuss Healthy Option: Combining fresh produce and simple ingredients, this salad offers a nutritious dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or require complicated cooking techniques.

Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad brings Mediterranean elegance to summer dining with crisp cucumber slices and juicy strawberries. Garden-fresh ingredients mingle in a light vinaigrette, offering you a cool, delightful experience that celebrates seasonal produce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) strawberries, quartered
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) cucumbers, chopped
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) fresh mint, minced

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) feta cheese, cubed

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) golden balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and pat dry all fresh produce to ensure optimal cleanliness and crispness before preparation.
2. Slice strawberries into quarters, creating uniform bite-sized pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
3. Dice cucumbers and red onion into similar-sized small chunks to maintain balanced texture and visual appeal.
4. Crumble feta cheese into delicate, irregular pieces that will provide creamy pockets of flavor in each serving.
5. Finely chop fresh mint leaves to release their aromatic oils and distribute their refreshing essence throughout the salad.
6. Whisk olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and ground black pepper in a small mixing bowl until fully emulsified and smooth.
7. Transfer quartered strawberries, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, crumbled feta, and minced mint into a large serving bowl.
8. Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, using gentle folding motions to coat every component without bruising the delicate fruits.
9. Allow salad to rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to let flavors meld and dressing slightly marinate the ingredients before serving.

Notes

• Keep strawberries and cucumbers chilled before cutting to maintain crispness and prevent wilting.
• Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color in the salad.
• Dice ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• Store leftover salad separately from dressing to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain crunchiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 271 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 371 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg