When the sun shines brightly and the warmth of summer embraces us, I can’t help but think of the delightful, zesty flavors that this season brings. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the bounty of fresh produce is with a scrumptious strawberry cucumber salad. This particular dish has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of warm afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden, where the air was filled with the sweet scent of strawberries ripening in the sun and the crisp freshness of cucumbers straight from the vine. As I toss together the vibrant ingredients in this salad, I can almost hear her cheerful laughter and stories of her own cooking adventures.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Duration: 10 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 80 calories
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fats: 3.5 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugars: 8 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cucumber Salad
This strawberry cucumber salad is not just a feast for the palate but also a vibrant splash of color for your table. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the refreshing crunch of cucumbers, while the slight bite of red onion and the aromatic freshness of mint elevate the dish to a new level. Tossed in a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, this salad is versatile enough to be a standalone dish, a side for grilled meats, or a perfect finishing touch to any picnic. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, which means you can spend more time enjoying good food and company!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Preparing this salad is as easy as it gets. You’ll find yourself immersed in a quick yet rewarding journey of combining fresh ingredients that feels more like an art than cooking. With every chop and slice, you’re not just making a salad; you’re crafting a little piece of summer that you can enjoy at any time of the year.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
Step 1: Combining the Fresh Produce
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. Let these beauties mingle and start to release their juices!
Step 2: Adding a Touch of Freshness
Add the chopped mint leaves to the large bowl. This will not only boost the flavor but will also add a fragrant touch that you’ll love.
Step 3: Whisking up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will tie all the ingredients together beautifully.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is coated with this flavorful goodness!
Step 5: Serving Immediately
Serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients. Trust me, this is best enjoyed as soon as it’s prepared.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, salmon, or even a hearty vegetarian quiche. It makes for a refreshing side at barbecues or summer gatherings, and can beautifully complement a glass of chilled rosé, making it perfect for a warm evening get-together.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, note that the cucumbers will lose their crunch over time, so enjoy it fresh for the best experience!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Make sure to slice the strawberries and cucumbers uniformly for an even texture and presentation.
- For a fun twist, you can add crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added creaminess and crunch.
- Don’t skip the fresh mint; it adds a pop of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feeling adventurous? Try substituting the strawberries with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a different flavor profile. You can also swap out the cucumber for zucchini or even bell peppers to explore various textures and tastes.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use frozen strawberries? It’s best to use fresh for this salad, but if using frozen, allow them to thaw and drain excess liquid.
- What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? Use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an alternative; the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
- Can I prepare this salad ahead of time? You can prep all the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness.
- How to make it vegan? This recipe is already vegan-friendly since it doesn’t contain any animal products.
- What if my cucumbers are bitter? You can peel them, as the skin often has a bitter flavor, or sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
Wrapping Up
There’s something magical about creating a dish that is not only appealing to the eye but also nourishing for the soul. This Strawberry Cucumber Salad is all about embracing the bright flavors and wholesome goodness of fresh ingredients. Whether you whip it up for yourself or to impress your friends, you’ll be delighted by the smiles it brings. So, grab those fresh strawberries and cucumbers, and let’s get cooking! This little burst of summer is just a few minutes away from gracing your table!
Print
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing salad featuring the sweet taste of strawberries and the crispness of cucumbers, dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the chopped mint leaves to the large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve the salad right away to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.
Notes
Slice strawberries and cucumbers uniformly for the best texture. This salad is vegan-friendly and can be enjoyed with grilled meats or as a side dish at gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
