Description
A refreshing and vibrant cucumber strawberry salad featuring sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a light citrus dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad balances sweet and tangy flavors with optional creamy cheese and crunchy nuts for texture.
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 for easy eating.
- 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 until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, chopped fresh herbs, and crumbled cheese if using.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly, taking care not to crush the delicate fruit.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds and additional chopped herbs. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and sweetness.
- Persian or English cucumbers are ideal due to their tender skins, sweetness, and minimal seeds.
- Add fresh greens like arugula or spinach to bulk up the salad if serving as a main dish.
- Feel free to swap the cheese or nuts to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
- For make-ahead prep, store the dressing, cut fruit, and salad greens separately and assemble just before serving.
- Pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
