This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a bright and refreshing dish! It’s made with crunchy cucumbers and sweet strawberries, all tossed together with a light dressing. Perfect for hot days!
What I love most is how simple it is to whip up. Just chop, mix, and enjoy! It’s like a summer party on your plate! 😄 Serve it as a side or a light snack; your taste buds will thank you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: For the best crunch, use English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds. If you want something different, try zucchini for a fun twist! They’ll add a similar texture without the distinct cucumber flavor.
Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for sweetness. If they’re out of season, feel free to substitute with blueberries or raspberries for a change in flavor while keeping it fruity!
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a salty creaminess to the salad. If you prefer, you can switch it out for goat cheese or even a dairy-free cheese to meet dietary needs. Both will add a unique taste!
Fresh Mint: Mint adds a lovely freshness. If you don’t have mint, try basil for a surprising and delightful flavor change!
How Do I Make the Dressing Balanced and Flavorful?
The dressing is what ties the salad together, so it’s important to get it right! Here’s how:
- Mix the apple cider vinegar with honey in a bowl. If you like it sweeter, adjust the honey to your taste!
- Slowly whisk in the olive oil until smooth. This helps create a creamy texture.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! A good pinch can really enhance the flavors!
Feel free to customize this dressing with lemon juice, a splash of orange juice, or even a dash of Dijon mustard for extra zing!
Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (ribbon style preferred)
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes slicing and mixing the ingredients, plus a little time to whisk together the dressing. If you choose to chill it, give it another 15 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumbers
Start by giving your cucumbers a good wash. Then use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to slice them into lovely thin ribbons. Place the ribbons in a large mixing bowl, ready to be mixed with the other ingredients.
2. Add the Strawberries
Next, hull the strawberries (remove the green tops) and slice them up. Gently add the sliced strawberries into the mixing bowl with the cucumbers to create a beautiful, colorful mix!
3. Make the Dressing
Take a small bowl and whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure it’s combined well for a delicious dressing that’ll enhance the salad! Feel free to adjust the honey for sweetness to your liking.
4. Combine the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to pour that tasty dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture. Toss everything gently, so you evenly coat the cucumber and strawberries without squishing them.
5. Finish with Feta and Mint
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of your salad. If you’re using fresh mint, add that on top too for a pop of color and flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy
Your salad is ready to go! Enjoy it immediately for the freshest taste, or for an even more blended flavor, cover it and chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving.
This light and refreshing salad is perfect for hot days, picnics, or as a delightful side dish for any meal. Enjoy balancing the crispness of cucumber with the sweetness of strawberries and the tangy creaminess of feta cheese!
FAQs for Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute with blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for a different taste. Just keep the balance of sweetness and freshness in mind!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that cucumbers may release water, so it might be best to store the dressing separately if you plan to eat it later.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, consider using goat cheese for a similar creamy texture, or try crumbled ricotta for a milder flavor. Dairy-free cheese alternatives are also great options!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the cucumbers and strawberries a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp and the flavors fresh. If you want to prepare the dressing ahead, store it separately in the fridge.
