This Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Salad is super refreshing and colorful! It’s made with crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Just chop, toss, and enjoy. I love having this salad as a side dish or a light snack on hot days—it’s a sweet cucumber hug on a plate! 🍓🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the star of this salad. If they’re out of season, you can use raspberries or blueberries for a similar sweetness. Frozen berries work too, but remember to thaw and drain them first!
Cucumber: A large cucumber provides a nice crunch. If you’re looking for something different, try using a Persian or English cucumber, which are sweeter and have fewer seeds. You could also use zucchini for a twist!
Basil: Fresh basil gives this salad a lovely aroma. If you don’t have basil, try fresh mint or parsley for a refreshing flavor. Dried herbs won’t provide the same taste, so fresh is best!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, use a nut-based feta or simply omit it for a lighter salad. Goat cheese also makes a great substitute if you enjoy a stronger flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: The balsamic vinegar provides depth and sweetness. If you don’t have it, substitute with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. A splash of citrus juice (like orange) works well too!
How Do You Prepare the Salad for Maximum Flavor?
To ensure your salad tastes fresh and vibrant, focus on the ingredient preparation and dressing. Here are some tips:
- When slicing strawberries, make sure they’re firm for the best texture. Avoid overly ripe ones as they can be mushy.
- Chop cucumbers just before adding to the salad to prevent them from becoming watery.
- Lightly bruise the basil leaves before chopping to release more flavor.
- Mix the dressing separately, and add it to the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp.
- Letting the salad sit for a bit in the fridge helps the flavors meld but avoid letting it sit too long to prevent sogginess.
Enjoy crafting this delightful salad that epitomizes the freshness of summer! It’s perfect for picnics or as a side dish at any meal.
Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and is best served fresh. However, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by washing your fresh strawberries under running water. Remove the green tops (hulling) and slice them into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a mixing bowl.
2. Chop the Cucumber:
Next, peel the cucumber and chop it into chunks that are similar in size to your strawberry pieces. This helps with even mixing and makes it easy to eat. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the strawberries.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In the same bowl, add the freshly chopped basil leaves and finely chopped red onion if you’re using it. These add great flavor and a pop of color to your salad!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice), honey (if you like a bit of sweetness), salt, and pepper. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together, so mix well until combined.
5. Toss and Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture and gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You want to be gentle here to avoid breaking the strawberries.
6. Add Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and give it one last gentle toss to mix it in without mashing the ingredients.
7. Chill (Optional):
You can serve the salad right away, or for the best flavor, cover it and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Enjoy this delightful salad that’s packed with flavor and perfect for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light, fresh side dish. The combination of sweet strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, and tangy feta is irresistible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute Other Fruits?
Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can swap them out for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced mango for a tropical twist. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness of the dressing if you use sweeter fruits!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers can release moisture and make the salad watery over time.
Is This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
To make this salad vegan, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based feta alternative. You may also want to use a maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately. Combine everything and add the dressing right before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and the flavors fresh.
