Fresh, sweet, and crisp, this Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a simple summer side that brightens any meal. It comes together in minutes with just a few ingredients and holds up well for quick meal prep or potlucks. If you want a creamier take on cucumber salads, try this creamy cucumber variation for a rich twist.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Bursting with fresh, contrasting flavors — sweet strawberries and cool cucumber.
- Ready in about 10 minutes for quick weeknight sides or last-minute guests.
- Great for meal prep because the dressing keeps flavors vibrant without sogginess.
- Family-friendly and light, yet satisfying next to grilled mains.
- Easy to customize for dairy-free, nut-free, or heartier salads.
Ingredients Needed
- Fruit & Veggies
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
- Cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil
- Toppings (optional, toasted)
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts
- Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Wash and dry strawberries and cucumbers. Hull and slice strawberries; thinly slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Combine salad: In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, strawberries, herbs, and cheese if using.
- Toss lightly: Drizzle with half the dressing and gently toss to coat without crushing the fruit.
- Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with nuts or seeds and additional herbs. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve immediately.
- Optional hold: If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to preserve texture.
Serving Suggestions Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced plate.
- Spoon over mixed greens for a larger composed salad.
- Top with quinoa or farro to turn it into a heartier grain salad.
- Pair with a strawberry-walnut salad as a complementary side at summer gatherings by trying the strawberry-walnut salad.
- Garnish with extra mint and a lemon wedge for a bright presentation.
Tips for Success Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Slice evenly so cucumbers and strawberries mix nicely and bite sizes match.
- Toast nuts briefly to boost crunch and flavor; cool before adding.
- Taste the dressing and balance sweetness and acidity to your preference.
- Keep dressing separate if making more than 30 minutes ahead to avoid soggy fruit.
- Use ripe but firm strawberries to prevent mushy texture when tossing.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Add protein: Fold in grilled shrimp, sliced chicken, or chickpeas for more substance.
- Dairy-free: Skip the feta and use extra herbs, toasted seeds, or avocado for creaminess.
- Greens boost: Mix into baby spinach or arugula for a leafy version, or try a similar mix with spinach and berries like this spinach and strawberry salad.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeño to the dressing.
Cucumber Strawberry Salad
A fresh and crisp salad combining sweet strawberries and cool cucumbers, perfect for summer sides or potlucks.
Ingredients
Fruit & Veggies
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber (or 3 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced
Cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese Optional
Herbs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint or basil
Toppings (optional, toasted)
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts Optional, toasted
Dressing
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and dry strawberries and cucumbers. Hull and slice strawberries; thinly slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons.
Mix Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Combine Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add cucumbers, strawberries, herbs, and cheese if using.
Toss
- Drizzle with half the dressing and gently toss to coat without crushing the fruit.
Serve
- Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with nuts or seeds and additional herbs. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
If prepping ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving to preserve texture. Tips include slicing evenly, toasting nuts before use, and tasting the dressing for balance.