Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Quick and refreshing, Strawberry Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer dish that combines vibrant flavors and colors. This easy-to-make salad is suitable for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. With fresh strawberries and cucumber, it offers a delightful crunch alongside aromatic herbs like mint and basil. You’ll love its versatility as a side dish or even as a main course when paired with protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, allowing you to enjoy deliciousness without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber, and fragrant herbs creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for summer gatherings, barbecues, or as a light lunch option, this recipe fits various occasions.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts or cheese for added texture and flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Strawberry Cucumber Salad, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients comfortably without spilling.
• Whisk: This tool ensures that your dressing is well blended for maximum flavor distribution.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting surface protects your counters while providing stability for chopping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A good knife makes slicing strawberries and cucumbers effortless and safe.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Strawberry Cucumber Salad:
– 1 pint strawberries (hulled and thinly sliced)
– 1 english cucumber (halved and thinly sliced)
– ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
– ½ c chopped fresh basil
– ½ c chopped fresh mint
– 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 2 tsp honey (or agave)
– ½ tsp kosher salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.

Step 2: Macerate the Onions

Add the onions to the dressing mixture. Gently toss them until well coated. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes to macerate; this will help reduce their bitterness.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

Add the strawberries, cucumber, basil, and mint into the bowl. Toss gently until everything is well mixed. Serve immediately for the best flavor experience.

How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Strawberry Cucumber Salad is a versatile dish that can elevate any meal. Its fresh flavors make it an ideal choice for various occasions, from casual lunches to festive dinners.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• This salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast.

Serve as a Side at Barbecues

• A vibrant addition to your summer barbecue spread, this salad will cool down spicy dishes and enhance your outdoor dining experience.

Enjoy with Tacos

• The crispness of cucumbers and sweetness of strawberries balance well with flavorful tacos, making each bite delightful.

Top Your Sandwiches

• Use this salad as a topping for sandwiches. It adds texture and a burst of flavor without overwhelming the main ingredients.

Add to Picnic Baskets

• Pack this salad for picnics; it holds up well and provides a refreshing bite on warm days.

Combine with Cheese Platters

• Pair it with cheese for a sophisticated appetizer. The sweetness of strawberries contrasts beautifully with sharp cheeses like feta or goat cheese.

How to Perfect Strawberry Cucumber Salad

To ensure your Strawberry Cucumber Salad shines, follow these simple tips that enhance its flavors and presentation.

• Choose ripe strawberries: Opt for bright red strawberries that are slightly soft to the touch for maximum sweetness.
• Slice cucumbers thinly: Thin slices allow the cucumbers to absorb the dressing better, enhancing their flavor.
• Macerate onions longer: For milder onions, let them sit in balsamic vinegar for longer than 10 minutes.
• Add nuts for crunch: Toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds for an added texture contrast and nutritional boost.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint and basil bring vibrant flavors; avoid dried herbs for the best taste.
• Serve chilled: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge before serving enhances its refreshing qualities.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

This Strawberry Cucumber Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that bring together different textures and tastes. Here are some great options:

1. Quinoa Pilaf
   A light, fluffy dish that’s rich in protein and pairs well with the freshness of the salad.
2. Grilled Asparagus
   Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil adds a lovely charred flavor that complements the salad.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Their natural sweetness balances nicely against the tangy notes of the strawberry cucumber salad.
4. Caprese Skewers
   Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes make for a delightful finger food pairing alongside your salad.
5. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn provides a fun crunch and is perfect for summer gatherings when served hot off the grill.
6. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
   Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty salad adds substance while maintaining freshness in every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Strawberry Cucumber Salad can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the onions: Skipping the maceration process for the onions can lead to an overpowering flavor. Always let them sit in the dressing for at least 10 minutes.
• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the fresh flavors. Start with less, and you can always add more if needed.
• Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries won’t provide the sweetness that this salad needs. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste.
• Cutting ingredients unevenly: If your cucumber and strawberries are cut inconsistently, it affects both presentation and texture. Aim for uniform slices for even flavor distribution.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh mint and basil are essential for this salad’s flavor profile. Don’t substitute dried herbs, as they lack the freshness required.
• Not serving immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you let it sit too long, it can become watery and lose its crunch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Containers: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Freezing Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Not recommended: Freezing is not ideal as cucumbers become mushy when thawed.

Reheating Strawberry Cucumber Salad

• Oven: Not suitable; this salad is best served cold and fresh.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating in a microwave; it will wilt the greens and soften the cucumbers.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; this salad should be enjoyed chilled without reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Strawberry Cucumber Salad last?

This salad lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I customize my Strawberry Cucumber Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like feta cheese or nuts for extra flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Strawberry Cucumber Salad?

This refreshing side pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a summer picnic spread.

Is Strawberry Cucumber Salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is fully vegan as it contains no animal products.

What types of strawberries work best for this salad?

Choose sweet, ripe strawberries for optimal flavor. Avoid those that are overripe or mushy.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Cucumber Salad is not just a delightful dish; it’s also incredibly versatile! Perfect as a summer side or light lunch, this recipe allows room for customization with your favorite ingredients. Try adding nuts or different herbs to make it your own. Enjoy this refreshing treat any time!

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Strawberry Cucumber Salad

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Indulge in the refreshing bliss of Strawberry Cucumber Salad, a vibrant summer dish that celebrates the season’s best flavors. This salad combines juicy strawberries and crisp cucumbers, enhanced with aromatic herbs like mint and basil. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just 15 minutes—but also versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or a light lunch. The delightful crunch from fresh ingredients pairs beautifully with a simple homemade dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Enjoy it as a side dish or elevate your meal by serving it alongside grilled proteins. Perfectly customizable, you can easily add nuts or cheese for extra flavor and texture.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pint strawberries (hulled and thinly sliced)
• 1 English cucumber (halved and thinly sliced)
• ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• ½ cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey (or agave)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt until well combined.
2. Add the sliced red onion to the dressing and toss to coat; let sit for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
3. Incorporate strawberries, cucumber, basil, and mint into the bowl. Gently toss until evenly mixed.
4. Serve immediately for optimal freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg