Looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad to enjoy on a hot day? Look no further than this Cucumber Strawberry Salad! Packed with juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is a delicious addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of sweet strawberries and crunchy cucumbers creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- This salad can be made in just a few minutes, making it ideal for a quick and easy side dish.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be served at picnics, BBQs, or as a light lunch option.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Strawberries: Provide a sweet and juicy contrast to the cucumbers.
- Olive oil: Helps to coat the ingredients and adds richness to the dressing.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the salad.
- Fresh mint: Adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and strawberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh mint before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a twist, try adding feta cheese to the salad for a creamy element.
- To make this salad in advance, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
- Substitute the strawberries with other berries for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- To enhance the flavors, let the salad marinate in the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Use high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cucumber Strawberry Salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Serve it alongside a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Allow the salad to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh? Fresh strawberries are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
- How can I make this salad more filling? Add cooked quinoa or grilled chicken to make it a heartier meal.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, the dressing can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Is it necessary to peel the cucumbers? It’s not necessary, but you can peel them if you prefer.
Conclusion:
Next time you’re looking for a light and refreshing salad, give this Cucumber Strawberry Salad a try. With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
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This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing cucumber strawberry salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, with a hint of mint for freshness. It’s light, healthy, and ideal for a summer side dish or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cups strawberries
- Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and chop the cucumber and strawberries. Finely chop the mint leaves.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cucumber and strawberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh mint before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be refrigerated for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Feel free to add other fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg