© Original Recipe By The Sizzle Spot ©
🥗 Refreshing & Vibrant: The Ultimate Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Summer Salad 🥒🍓
1. Introduction
Imagine biting into a crisp, cool slice of cucumber paired with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries. This cucumber strawberry salad is the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty. Its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors make it an irresistible summer salad ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light dinner. Packed with fresh fruit and crisp vegetables, this healthy side dish will brighten any table and elevate your salad game.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Fresh & Light: Combines the crispness of cucumber with the sweetness of strawberries.
- Colorful & Inviting: A feast for the eyes and the palate.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish for grilled meats or as a standalone light lunch.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this summer salad, choosing the highest quality ingredients will make all the difference. Opt for organic strawberries for their sweeter, more intense flavor and vibrant color. Fresh, firm cucumbers are best—seedless varieties or English cucumbers work well as they are less watery and have a tender skin, eliminating the need for peeling. A splash of fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while a drizzle of honey brings a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.
For added texture, consider including thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Fresh mint or basil leaves add an aromatic touch that elevates this fruit-infused salad.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To create this cucumber strawberry salad, having the right tools makes preparation a breeze. Use a compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer for quick snack prepping or grilled veggies, while a T-fal 14-piece nonstick cookware set ensures your kitchen is well-equipped for different recipes. A good Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer can help prepare grilled proteins to serve alongside this salad for a complete summer meal.
5. How to Make Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Summer Salad
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing the strawberries and cucumbers under cold water. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on size. For the cucumber, slice it into thin rounds or half-moons for an elegant presentation. If using a seedless variety, no peeling is necessary—just a quick rinse will suffice.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and cucumber. Add a handful of chopped fresh mint or basil for a fragrant lift. For the dressing, mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey or agave syrup. Pour over the salad and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. The aroma of citrus and herbs will instantly awaken your senses.
Finish & Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish, garnish with extra herbs or a few whole strawberries, and serve immediately. The crispness of the cucumber combined with the juicy strawberries creates a delightful contrast that’s truly summer in a bowl.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use chilled ingredients: For the ultimate refreshing experience, chill your strawberries and cucumbers before preparing.
- Slice uniformly: Keep all slices similar in thickness for even dressing coating and aesthetic appeal.
- Wash thoroughly: Always rinse fresh produce to remove any dirt or residual pesticides.
- Adjust sweetness: Tailor the honey or lemon juice based on the ripeness and sweetness of your fruit.
7. Variations & Substitutions
Want to customize? Swap out strawberries for blueberries or raspberries for a different burst of flavor. If strawberries are out of season, canned or frozen berries can work—just thaw and drain excess liquid. For a vegan protein boost, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds. Dairy free? Skip the cheese and incorporate avocado slices for added creaminess.
8. Storage & Reheating
This fresh fruit salad is best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispness and flavor. However, if necessary, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the fruit from becoming soggy. Reheating isn’t required for this dish.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp and strawberries fresh. Prepare the chopped ingredients a few hours in advance and assemble when ready.
What other fruits pair well with strawberries in this salad?
Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches can be excellent additions, providing diverse flavors and vibrant colors.
Is this salad suitable for a keto or low-carb diet?
While naturally low in carbs, be mindful of the honey in the dressing. For a keto version, omit the honey and add a splash of olive oil or a keto-friendly sweetener.
10. Conclusion
This cucumber strawberry salad is the perfect taste of summer—light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Its simple ingredients and quick assembly make it an ideal healthy side dish for any warm-weather gathering. Incorporate this vibrant salad into your culinary repertoire and enjoy the sweet, crisp harmony of fresh, seasonal produce!
Print
Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Summer Salad
A quick and easy summer salad combining crisp cucumbers, sweet strawberries, and fresh herbs, tossed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and healthy dish.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, strawberries, and chopped mint.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add crumbled feta or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 120 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg