This cucumber strawberry salad is a burst of freshness! With crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries, and a light dressing, it’s perfect for warm days or picnics.
You can’t go wrong with this combo! It feels like summer in a bowl. I love adding a sprinkle of feta cheese to really lift the flavors. Yum! 🍓🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds, making them ideal for salads. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work as well; just peel them if the skin is tough.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring a bright sweetness to the salad. If they aren’t in season, you could use chopped apples for a crunch or frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them first.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice bite. If it’s too strong for your taste, try sweet onion or shallots, which are milder. You could also soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to tone down the flavor.
Mint: Fresh mint gives a refreshing note, but feel free to substitute with fresh basil or cilantro if you prefer those flavors.
Feta Cheese: I enjoy the creaminess of feta, but you can skip it for a dairy-free version. If you want to keep it cheesy, goat cheese is a nice alternative!
How Do I Ensure My Salad Stays Crisp?
To keep your salad fresh and crisp, moisture control is key. Here are some tips:
- Use a salad spinner to dry your cucumbers and strawberries after washing. Excess water can lead to sogginess.
- Mix the dressing right before serving to avoid soggy ingredients. Dress salads just before you’re ready to eat.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and layer cucumbers and strawberries with mint and dressing separately if possible to maintain crunchiness.
Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15-20 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. That’s just enough time for the flavors to come together beautifully. Total time: around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, hulled and sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and roughly chopped mint leaves. Toss them gently to mix the colors and flavors together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture and toss it gently. Make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
4. Add the Feta Cheese:
If you’d like, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad. It adds a lovely creaminess that pairs well with the fresh ingredients!
5. Chill and Serve:
Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick toss and enjoy this light, sweet, and tangy salad!
Enjoy this delightful salad at your next gathering or as a refreshing side dish anytime!
FAQ for Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, you can swap them with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or even mango. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Feta Cheese?
No worries! If you don’t have feta or prefer to skip it, the salad is still full of flavor without it. For a creamy alternative, try goat cheese, or simply enjoy it without cheese for a lighter option.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup or agave. The flavors will still shine through, and it will remain delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to eat the salad fresh to retain its crispness. If you’re worried about sogginess, store the dressing separately and add it right before serving!
