Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad that combines sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta with a light lemon-honey dressing, garnished with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts for a perfect spring or summer side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts (toasted, optional)
Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Hull and slice the strawberries, then thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons to ensure even texture and bite.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, chopped fresh herbs, and crumbled cheese if using, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the salad.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful to toss lightly to avoid crushing the delicate strawberries.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad onto a serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted nuts or seeds and additional fresh herbs on top for added texture and flavor. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Choose Persian or English cucumbers for their tender skin, sweetness, and minimal seeds.
- Add leafy greens like arugula or spinach if you want to bulk this salad up as a main dish.
- Swap out cheese or nuts to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
- For make-ahead preparation, store the salad components separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, or soft flatbreads for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
