There’s something undeniably refreshing about This Cucumber Strawberry Salad. Imagine a warm summer day, the sun shining down, and you’re enjoying a bowl of this vibrant salad that bursts with colors and flavors. roasted strawberry toast The crispiness of the cucumbers pairs beautifully with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, creating a delightful symphony for your taste buds. It’s like a party in your mouth, where every bite dances with joy!
I remember the first time I made this salad for a family picnic. My cousin, who usually turns her nose up at salads, took one glance at it and immediately grabbed a giant serving. The look on her face when she tasted it was priceless; she couldn’t stop raving about how refreshing and delicious it was. delicious watermelon salad This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or any gathering where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy days
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile will keep everyone coming back for seconds
- The stunning red and green colors make it a showstopper on any table
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light lunch option, it’s sure to please!
I still chuckle remembering how my friends fought over the last scoop at that picnic; they even tried to bribe me with dessert for just one more bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers that are glossy and free from blemishes for the best crunch.
Ripe Strawberries: Select juicy strawberries that are bright red all over; they should smell sweet and fragrant.
Red Onion: A small amount adds a lovely kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Opt for vibrant green leaves; they add an aromatic freshness that elevates the salad.
Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle brings out the sweetness of strawberries and adds depth to the dressing.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor to balance acidity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the fabulous flavors in this refreshing salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. tartar sauce for seafood.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your cucumbers and strawberries under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean towel before slicing them up.
Slice the Cucumbers: Take your fresh cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. Aim for consistency so they mix well with other ingredients.
Chop Strawberries and Onion: Hull your strawberries, slicing them into quarters while dicing the red onion finely to avoid overpowering bites in the salad.
Add Fresh Mint Leaves: Gently tear fresh mint leaves into smaller pieces. This releases their aromatic oils without bruising them too much.
Create Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste based on personal preference.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, strawberries, onion, and mint leaves. Drizzle over your dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh!
Enjoy each step as you make this bright salad; it’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing every flavor explosion along the way!
You Must Know
- This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a refreshing blend of flavors that elevates any meal
- The sweet strawberries paired with crisp cucumbers create a delightful texture and aroma, perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch
- Add some feta for a savory twist!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by slicing the cucumbers and strawberries, then mix them in a bowl. Drizzle with dressing right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap strawberries with other seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries. Adding nuts or cheese can enhance the texture and flavor profile, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For an extra pop of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or honey
- Always taste as you go; balance sweetness with acidity
- Ensure your cucumbers are firm for the best crunch!
Creating this Cucumber Strawberry Salad has led to countless compliments at summer picnics, making me feel like a culinary genius. fried strawberry cheesecake sandwiches.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
For more inspiration, check out this Cucumber Salad Delight recipe.
Frozen strawberries tend to be mushy when thawed, so fresh is better for this salad.
How do I choose the best cucumbers?
Look for firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or blemishes for optimal freshness.
What dressing works best with this Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
A light vinaigrette or yogurt-based dressing complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Total Time: 18 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is the perfect blend of crisp cucumbers and sweet strawberries, making it a delightful addition to any summer gathering. With its vibrant colors and refreshing taste, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for picnics, barbecues, or light lunches. Every bite offers a burst of flavor that will impress your guests and leave them asking for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup ripe strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and strawberries under cool water. Pat dry.
- Slice cucumbers into thin rounds for even mixing.
- Hull strawberries and cut them into quarters; finely dice the red onion.
- Tear mint leaves into smaller pieces to release their oils.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, strawberries, red onion, and mint leaves. Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Experiment with seasonal fruits like peaches or blueberries for varied flavors. Add nuts or feta cheese for extra texture and taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; this salad is best enjoyed cold.
