Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining sweet strawberries and crisp cucumbers with a tangy lemon-honey dressing, topped with fresh herbs, cheese, and toasted nuts for a perfect light dish or side.
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 Ingredients
- 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 the strawberries and slice them thinly. Then, thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons to create a fresh base for the salad.
- Mix Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance the flavors.
- Assemble Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, chopped fresh mint or basil, and crumbled feta or goat cheese if using. This blend ensures a mix of sweet, savory, and herbal notes.
- Toss Lightly: Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly without crushing the delicate fruit, preserving its texture.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts along with additional fresh herbs on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe strawberries for the best texture and sweetness.
- Persian or English cucumbers are ideal due to their tender skin, sweetness, and minimal seeds.
- Add a handful of greens such as arugula or spinach to bulk up the salad for a more substantial main dish.
- Feel free to swap the cheese or nuts based on dietary preferences or allergies.
- For make-ahead preparations, store all salad components separately and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, seafood, or flatbreads for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
