Name: Cucumber Strawberry Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste; Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan option); Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

Cucumber Strawberry Salad: Prepare to be amazed by this unexpectedly delightful combination! Have you ever craved something refreshing, sweet, and savory all at once? This vibrant salad is the answer. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

While the exact origins of pairing cucumbers and strawberries in a salad are somewhat obscure, the concept of combining fruits and vegetables in creative ways dates back centuries. Many cultures have traditions of incorporating sweet and savory elements in their cuisine, and this salad is a modern interpretation of that culinary spirit.

What makes this Cucumber Strawberry Salad so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of crisp cucumber, juicy strawberries, and a tangy dressing. The coolness of the cucumber complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully, creating a refreshing and light dish that's perfect for warm weather. People adore it because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or even as a light lunch. Plus, it's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce!

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit for vegan option)
Optional: 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

Preparing the Cucumber and Strawberries

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our stars: the cucumber and strawberries. This is where the magic begins, and a little attention to detail here will make a big difference in the final result. Trust me!

Wash the Strawberries: Give those beautiful strawberries a good rinse under cool water. We want to make sure they're nice and clean before we start slicing. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Hull and Slice the Strawberries: Now, for the fun part! Hull the strawberries by removing the green tops. You can use a small paring knife or a strawberry huller if you have one. Slice the strawberries into even pieces. I like to slice them about 1/4 inch thick, but you can adjust the thickness to your preference. The key is to keep them relatively uniform so they mix well with the other ingredients.
Prepare the Cucumber: Next up, the cucumber. I prefer to peel my cucumber for this salad, but you can leave the skin on if you like. Just make sure to wash it thoroughly first. After peeling, cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. This will prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as the sliced strawberries.
Slice the Red Onion: Red onion adds a lovely sharpness to the salad, but we don't want it to overpower the other flavors. Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad.

Chopping the Herbs

Fresh herbs are essential for this salad! They add a burst of flavor and aroma that really elevates the dish. Don't skip this step!

Wash and Dry the Herbs: Rinse the mint and basil leaves under cool water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Make sure they're completely dry before chopping, as wet herbs can make the salad soggy.
Chop the Herbs: Stack a few mint and basil leaves together and roll them up tightly like a cigar. Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the rolled-up herbs. This technique, called a chiffonade, creates beautiful, delicate ribbons of herbs. Alternatively, you can simply chop the herbs finely.

Making the Balsamic Vinaigrette

The dressing is what ties everything together! This balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It's super easy to make and will keep in the fridge for several days, so feel free to make a bigger batch.

Combine the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Whisk Vigorously: Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and emulsified. The dressing should be smooth and slightly thickened.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a little more honey. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more balsamic vinegar.

Assembling the Salad

Now for the grand finale! This is where all our hard work comes together to create a beautiful and delicious salad.

Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped mint, and chopped basil.
Add the Dressing: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad.
Gently Toss: Gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the strawberries and make the salad soggy.
Add Optional Ingredients: If you're using feta cheese and toasted slivered almonds, now is the time to add them. Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and sprinkle with the toasted slivered almonds.
Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately. If you're not serving it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a few hours. However, keep in mind that the salad will become slightly softer as it sits.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize this salad to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

Add Other Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits to the salad, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.
Add Protein: Make this salad a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
Use Different Vinegar: Substitute the balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Add Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to the salad. Add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish: Serve it as a refreshing side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
As a Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a light and healthy lunch on a warm day.
As a Salad Topping: Use it as a topping for mixed greens or other salads.
At a BBQ: Bring it to your next barbecue or potluck. It's always a crowd-pleaser!
With Cheese and Crackers: Serve it with a selection of cheeses and crackers for a sophisticated appetizer.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 24 hours, but the strawberries and cucumber may release some liquid, making the salad slightly soggy. It's best to consume it as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 150-200 per serving
Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
Protein: Approximately 2-3 grams
Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20 grams

Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad isn't just another salad; it's a burst of summer sunshine in a bowl, and honestly, you absolutely have to try it! The refreshing crunch of the cucumber perfectly complements the sweet juiciness of the strawberries, creating a flavor explosion that's both satisfying and incredibly light. The simple vinaigrette ties everything together, adding a touch of tang that elevates the entire dish. It's quick, it's easy, and it's guaranteed to impress, whether you're serving it at a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet lunch on your own. But the best part? It's so versatile! I've found myself experimenting with different variations, and I encourage you to do the same. For a heartier salad, try adding some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for a salty, creamy contrast. Toasted almonds or pecans would also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. If you're looking for a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp would be fantastic additions. And for a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette will definitely wake up your taste buds. Serving suggestions are endless! This Cucumber Strawberry Salad makes a wonderful side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even vegetarian burgers. It's also perfect as a light lunch on a hot day, or as a refreshing appetizer before a larger meal. I've even been known to enjoy it as a late-night snack! For a more elegant presentation, try serving it in individual glasses or small bowls. A sprig of fresh mint or basil adds a beautiful finishing touch. I truly believe this salad will become a staple in your kitchen, especially during the warmer months. It's a crowd-pleaser, it's healthy, and it's incredibly delicious. Plus, it's a fantastic way to use up those fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Don't just take my word for it, though!

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of this simple yet flavorful salad. I've poured my heart into perfecting it, and I'm confident that you'll love it as much as I do.

Now, it's your turn!

Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create something amazing. And please, please, please share your experience with me! I'd love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and how you served it. Did you add feta? Did you try a different herb? Did your family rave about it? Let me know in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you'll love. I can't wait to hear from you and see your own delicious creations! Happy cooking!