If you are looking for a bright, refreshing dish that brings together the sweetness of fresh fruit with the crispness of garden vegetables, this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with colors and flavors, this salad perfectly balances juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic basil with a tangy balsamic dressing. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a picnic staple, this salad offers an effortless way to enjoy a healthy, vibrant meal that excites your palate and refreshes your senses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavors and adding interesting textures, ensuring every bite delights your taste buds.
- 1 pint fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 medium cucumber: Provides a cool, crisp contrast that refreshes the palate.
- 1/4 small red onion (optional): Adds a subtle sharpness and crunch, but can be omitted if you prefer milder flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Brings an herbal brightness that elevates the freshness of the salad.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Offers a silky mouthfeel and enhances the richness of the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Delivers a tangy depth that beautifully complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional): A gentle touch of sweetness that balances acidity, especially if your strawberries are tart.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor in the salad.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional): Adds creamy, salty bursts that contrast the fresh fruit and veggies.
- Toasted almonds or walnuts (optional): Provide crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that makes the salad even more satisfying.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First things first: wash the strawberries thoroughly, then hull and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Slice your cucumber evenly for a crisp texture. If you’re using red onion, slice it thinly so the flavor isn’t overpowering. Finally, tear the basil leaves by hand to release their fragrance and avoid bruising.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
This step is where the magic happens. Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk vigorously until well blended. This simple vinaigrette will beautifully coat the salad ingredients, binding the sweet and savory components together.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and torn basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over everything and gently toss to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Being gentle here preserves the delicate strawberries while allowing all flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 4: Add Final Touches and Serve
If you love a little extra flair, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the salad. Top with toasted almonds or walnuts for a crunch that adds textural contrast. You can serve immediately to enjoy the crispness or chill for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together for a wonderfully refreshing result.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese always raises the bar. The creamy, salty notes complement the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a toasty aroma that pairs beautifully with the fresh elements.
Side Dishes
This salad is incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a side to a light pasta dish. It’s the perfect fresh contrast to heavier or smoky flavors, making your meal feel balanced and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve this salad in individual clear glasses or small bowls so the vibrant reds and greens really pop visually. You can also skewer strawberries and cucumber slices with basil leaves for a fun salad-on-a-stick experience. These creative touches are sure to impress your guests while keeping the essence of the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the salad is best enjoyed fresh within 1-2 days as the strawberries and cucumbers release moisture, which can make the salad watery over time.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing as the fresh strawberries and cucumber will become mushy and lose their crisp texture upon thawing, diminishing the overall enjoyment of the dish.
Reheating
No reheating necessary here! This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature to fully appreciate the freshness and crunch of each ingredient.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil in the Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe?
Fresh basil is ideal because it offers a bright, fragrant flavor that dried basil can’t replicate. If you must use dried, use only a small pinch and add it sparingly to avoid overpowering the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative, and use a plant-based honey substitute or skip the honey altogether to keep it plant-friendly.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
For best taste and texture, consume within 1-2 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the ingredients start to lose their crispness and brightness.
Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?
You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives, but balsamic vinegar’s sweetness and depth make it uniquely suited to balance the strawberry’s flavor.
What nuts work best for the toasted topping?
Almonds and walnuts are our favorites because they toast well and add wonderful crunch. Pecans or pistachios would also be delicious if you want to experiment with different flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels like a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s quick to whip up, visually stunning, and wonderfully balanced in flavor and texture. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it soon — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brightens any meal with its sweet and savory charm.
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Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad combines sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber, and fresh basil with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Topped with optional crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts, this light and easy salad is perfect as a healthy side dish or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- Toasted almonds or walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them. Slice the cucumber and red onion if using. Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces to release their aroma.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat evenly without bruising the delicate ingredients.
- Serve: If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese along with toasted almonds or walnuts on top for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance the refreshing flavors.
Notes
- You can omit the red onion if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute with thinly sliced shallots.
- To toast nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
- This salad is best consumed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- For a vegan option, skip the cheese topping or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust honey amount according to sweetness of the strawberries and personal preference.
