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Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Featured in Crisp and Refreshing Salads.

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is summer simplicity at its finest. With just 6 ingredients total, it proves that sometimes less truly is more when it comes to highlighting fresh, seasonal produce. The contrast between juicy, sweet strawberries and cool, crunchy cucumber creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that's incredibly refreshing on hot days. The honey-lime dressing adds just enough sweetness and acidity to enhance the natural flavors without overwhelming them, while fresh mint brings a subtle aromatic quality that ties everything together. What makes this salad special is how it transforms basic ingredients into something that feels fancy enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals. It's visually stunning with no effort required – the vibrant red berries against the green cucumber creates a naturally beautiful presentation. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, it's the ideal side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch paired with grilled protein.
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Ranah
Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:48:33 GMT
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Cucumber Strawberry Salad | lifesugar.co

This cucumber strawberry salad brings together the perfect balance of sweet, juicy strawberries and cool, crisp cucumber in a refreshing summer dish that takes just minutes to prepare. Unlike heavier mayo-based salads, this light combination lets the natural flavors of fresh produce shine.

I discovered this salad combination during a particularly hot summer when turning on the oven seemed unbearable. Looking for something that required zero cooking, I tossed together the cucumbers and strawberries sitting in my refrigerator.

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries: Provides natural sweetness and vibrant color
  • 2 medium cucumbers: Delivers refreshing crunch and hydration
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Adds bright acidity that balances the sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon honey: Creates subtle sweetness in the dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves: Contributes aromatic freshness and visual appeal
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings everything together in a light dressing

The quality of your strawberries significantly impacts this salad. Look for berries that are fully red with no white shoulders, fragrant, and firm but not hard.

Simple Preparation

Berry Preparation:
Rinse, hull, and slice strawberries into even pieces. Handle gently to maintain texture.
Cucumber Handling:
Wash and slice cucumbers thin. Consider salting to draw out excess moisture if needed.
Dressing Creation:
Whisk lime juice, honey and olive oil until emulsified. Adjust sweetness/tartness to taste.
Herb Incorporation:
Chiffonade mint leaves to release aroma. Reserve some for garnish.
Final Assembly:
Gently toss ingredients with dressing just before serving. Add salt and pepper sparingly.

I've served this salad countless times, and I'm always amazed at how such a simple combination can impress guests so consistently.

Creative Additions

Enhance this versatile salad with thoughtful additions that complement its refreshing flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate balance.

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Easy Cucumber Strawberry Salad | lifesugar.co

Serving Suggestions

Transform this simple salad into a standout component of various meals by considering ideal pairings and presentation approaches.

Dressing Variations

Customize the flavor profile of this salad by exploring alternative dressing options that maintain its refreshing character while introducing new dimensions.

Storage Wisdom

Maximize the enjoyment of this fresh salad through proper preparation and storage techniques, even though it's at its absolute best when freshly made.

Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe Pin it
Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe | lifesugar.co

This cucumber strawberry salad has become my summer signature dish, the recipe friends request for gatherings and the one I turn to when I want to impress with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparing, as both cucumbers and strawberries release water over time. If needed, you can slice the ingredients and make the dressing up to 4 hours ahead, storing everything separately in the refrigerator, then combine just before serving.
→ What type of cucumber works best for this salad?
English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds, thinner skins, and a sweeter flavor. Regular cucumbers work too, but you might want to peel them and remove some of the larger seeds if they're very seedy.
→ Can I substitute the honey for a vegan option?
Absolutely! Maple syrup or agave nectar work perfectly as vegan substitutes for honey in this recipe. Use the same amount (1½ tablespoons) for a similar level of sweetness.
→ What can I serve with this Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It's also perfect alongside sandwiches or as part of a larger summer spread. For a light lunch, serve it with a slice of crusty bread and some soft cheese.
→ Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
While this salad is delicious in its simple form, you can certainly add crumbled feta or goat cheese, sliced avocado, or toasted nuts like pistachios or sliced almonds. Red onion sliced very thinly adds nice contrast if you enjoy that flavor.

Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad pairs sweet berries with refreshing cucumber, all tossed in a simple honey-lime dressing for the perfect summer side.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 3 Servings (3 side salad portions)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the salad

01 1½ cups fresh strawberries, chilled, hulled, and quartered or sliced into 3-4 pieces
02 2 cups cucumber, chilled and thinly sliced

→ For the dressing

03 1½ tablespoons honey
04 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
05 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
06 1½ teaspoons fresh mint, chopped, plus extra for garnish
07 Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the honey, olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, and chopped mint. Whisk or shake well until everything is nicely blended together. The honey might take a moment to fully incorporate, so keep at it!

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the chilled sliced cucumbers and strawberry pieces. The contrast of the red berries against the green cucumber makes for a beautiful presentation.

Step 03

Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything lightly. You don't want the ingredients swimming in dressing - just enough to add flavor. Season with a small pinch of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Step 04

Sprinkle additional fresh mint leaves over the top for garnish and an extra pop of flavor. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and crisp. Keep any remaining dressing on the side for anyone who wants a little extra.

Notes

  1. For the best flavor, make sure both the cucumbers and strawberries are well-chilled before assembling.
  2. This salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, as the cucumbers and strawberries will begin to release water over time.
  3. English or Persian cucumbers work particularly well in this recipe as they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl or mason jar for dressing
  • Sharp knife for slicing fruits

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 106
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 1 g