Refreshing cucumber strawberry salad has been my go-to for beating the summer heat, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I remember one sweltering afternoon at a backyard barbecue, feeling completely parched until someone brought out this vibrant dish. The cool, crisp cucumbers and sweet, juicy strawberries were an instant pick-me-up. It’s truly the ultimate light and refreshing strawberry cucumber salad. This easy cucumber strawberry salad comes together in minutes, bursting with fresh flavors and beautiful colors that just scream sunshine. Get ready for a taste of pure summer bliss – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad

An explosion of sweet and tangy flavors that’s incredibly satisfying.
This simple strawberry cucumber salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
It’s packed with vitamins and hydration, making it a wonderful healthy cucumber strawberry salad option.
Made with common, affordable ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly dish for any occasion.
Kids and adults alike adore the bright colors and refreshing taste of this simple strawberry cucumber salad.
It’s the perfect side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch on its own.
This salad is a delightful way to enjoy seasonal produce.

Ingredients for a Simple Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your perfect cucumber and strawberry salad dressing and salad:

2 cups diced cucumbers – about 2 medium cucumbers, peeled if desired, and cut into bite-sized pieces. They provide that essential crispness.
2 cups sliced strawberries – roughly 1 pound, hulled and sliced. These add sweetness and a beautiful color.
¼ cup thinly sliced red onion – adds a subtle bite and depth of flavor. Slice it very thinly so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves – or basil, for a burst of herbaceous freshness. This is key to making it truly refreshing.
¼ cup olive oil – a good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our simple dressing.
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar – adds a lovely tang and rich color to the dressing.
1 tablespoon honey – or maple syrup, to balance the acidity of the vinegar and enhance the sweetness of the strawberries.
Salt to taste – use sea salt or kosher salt to bring out all the flavors.
Pepper to taste – freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth.

Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad: Quick & Amazing - Cucumber Strawberry Salad Refreshing - main visual representation

How to Make Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, sliced strawberries, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh mint leaves. I like to use English cucumbers for their thin skins and fewer seeds, but any crisp cucumber will work beautifully. Give everything a gentle toss to get acquainted.
Step 2: Now, let’s whip up the simple dressing for this quick cucumber strawberry salad. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the dressing is emulsified – it should look slightly creamy and well combined. The aroma of the balsamic and honey is just divine!
Step 3: Pour the luscious dressing over the vibrant cucumber and strawberry mixture. Toss gently with your hands or salad tongs, ensuring every piece of fruit and vegetable is coated in that zesty goodness. You want to coat everything evenly, but be careful not to mash the delicate strawberries. This step transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Step 4: Taste a piece of strawberry or cucumber to check the seasoning. Does it need a little more tang? Add a splash more balsamic. Not sweet enough? A tiny drizzle more honey. Craving more savory notes? Add another pinch of salt and pepper. This is your chance to perfect your quick cucumber strawberry salad.
Step 5: For the most incredible flavor, I highly recommend chilling this salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it an even more delightful and refreshing cucumber strawberry salad. It’s perfect for a picnic or a simple weeknight side dish.

Pro Tips for the Best Summer Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Want to elevate your salad game? Follow these simple tricks for an unforgettable dish:

Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find; they make a huge difference in sweetness and flavor.
Chill your cucumbers and strawberries for about 15-20 minutes before dicing and slicing. This keeps them extra crisp and refreshing.
Don’t overdress the salad. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if needed. You want to enhance, not drown, the fresh flavors.
If using red onion, rinsing the slices under cold water for a minute or two can mellow their sharp bite, making them more palatable for some.

What’s the secret to a perfect refreshing cucumber strawberry salad?

The secret is in the balance of textures and flavors. Using super fresh, ripe ingredients and a light, tangy dressing ensures every bite is bursting with cool, sweet, and zesty notes. This makes it the best cucumber strawberry salad.

Can I make this easy cucumber strawberry salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead! Dice the cucumbers, slice the strawberries, and chop the herbs. Whisk the dressing separately. Combine everything and dress the salad up to 2 hours before serving. For longer storage, keep the dressing separate and combine just before you’re ready to eat. For more information on food safety and storage, you can check out the privacy policy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cucumber strawberry salad?

Avoid using mushy strawberries or overripe cucumbers, as they’ll make the salad watery. Also, resist the urge to overmix; gentle tossing preserves the beautiful shape of the ingredients. Lastly, don’t skip the chilling step – it truly enhances the refreshing quality.

Best Ways to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This vibrant salad is incredibly versatile and shines as a delightful strawberry cucumber salad side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, adding a burst of freshness to any meal. Imagine serving it alongside barbecue favorites like pulled pork or burgers – the cool, sweet flavors cut through the richness perfectly. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to lighter fare, such as a simple grilled salmon or a vegetarian quinoa bowl. For a truly impressive brunch spread, consider it alongside pancakes or frittatas. Its bright colors and refreshing taste make it a welcome addition to any table, from casual weeknight dinners to more elaborate summer gatherings. You can find more last recipes here.

Nutrition Facts for Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This salad is as light as it is delicious. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 150
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 50mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For questions about data, please see our contact page.

How to Store and Reheat Cucumber Strawberry Salad

Proper storage is key to enjoying this delightful salad even after it’s made. Always allow the salad to cool completely before storing. I prefer using airtight glass containers, as they don’t retain odors and keep the ingredients perfectly fresh. You can store this cucumber strawberry salad in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, it holds up surprisingly well. For longer storage, you can freeze components separately, though the texture of the cucumbers and strawberries might change upon thawing. It’s not ideal for freezing the whole salad for months, but for a cucumber strawberry salad for picnics, keeping it chilled in a cooler is your best bet for freshness throughout the day. Learn more about Niki’s Air Fryer tips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad

What’s the best way to cut the ingredients for this refreshing cucumber strawberry salad?

For the perfect texture, I recommend dicing your cucumbers into about half-inch pieces and slicing your strawberries into similar-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion so its flavor is present but not overpowering. This uniformity ensures every bite is a delightful mix of cool cucumber and sweet strawberry. It’s all part of knowing how to make refreshing cucumber strawberry salad that looks as good as it tastes!

Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic base for creativity. You could add blueberries, raspberries, or even a few chunks of cantaloupe for extra sweetness. For a savory crunch, consider adding some toasted slivered almonds or crumbled feta cheese. A few thinly sliced bell peppers can also add a nice color and crispness. For more information on data privacy, please review our GDPR policy.

My strawberries are a bit tart, how can I adjust the dressing?

If your strawberries are on the tarter side, you can easily adjust the dressing to compensate. Simply add a little extra honey or maple syrup, about a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. You can also add a tiny splash more balsamic vinegar if you want to lean into the tangy side. This flexibility is what makes learning how to make refreshing cucumber strawberry salad so rewarding. You can find more details on our terms of use.

How long will this salad stay fresh in the refrigerator?

This refreshing cucumber strawberry salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of making it. While it’s delicious fresh, the cucumbers can release water over time, making the salad a bit more watery. If you need to make it further in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate and tossing everything together just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Variations of Cucumber Strawberry Salad You Can Try

This delightful salad is a canvas for creativity, and I love experimenting with different flavor twists! For a classic and incredibly refreshing taste, stick to the original with strawberry cucumber salad with mint. The cool mint is simply divine on a hot day. If mint isn’t your favorite, don’t worry – a delicious cucumber strawberry salad with basil offers a slightly sweeter, more peppery herbaceous note that’s equally wonderful. For a heartier, protein-packed version, try adding some grilled chicken or chickpeas. You could also crumble some feta cheese over the top for a salty tang that beautifully complements the sweet strawberries and crisp cucumbers. For a vegan delight, ensure your dressing uses maple syrup instead of honey.