Looking for a fresh new salad recipe that’s perfect for spring and summer? This strawberry cucumber salad is the ultimate light and refreshing side, blending sweet juicy berries with cool, crisp cucumbers. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it’s ready in minutes – ideal for backyard BBQs, potlucks or even as a healthy weekday side. Keep reading to learn how quick and easy it is to put together this crowd-pleasing strawberry-cucumber salad!
The Best Strawberry-Cucumber Salad
This simple strawberry-cucumber salad really highlights the delicious natural flavors of the ingredients. Fresh, ripe strawberries provide sweetness and cucumbers give it a refreshing crunch. Then it’s topped with a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that pulls everything together. I love serving this bright, colorful salad alongside grilled meats or BBQ chicken in the spring and summer. It’s sure to be a new go-to!
What Makes This Strawberry-Cucumber Salad Recipe Special?
There are a few key things that make this strawberry-cucumber salad really stand out:
- The sweet, juicy strawberries provide lots of flavor and nutrition.
- Cucumbers add great crunch and freshness.
- It has an easy dill yogurt dressing you can make in minutes.
- Mint and feta add extra flavor and texture.
- It comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.
With just a few simple toppings, the fresh flavors of the fruit and cucumbers really get to shine. It’s a great light and healthy option for any gathering!
Amazing Health Benefits of Strawberry-Cucumber Salad
One of the things I love about this strawberry-cucumber salad recipe is that it packs a nutritional punch. Here are some of the great health benefits of the main ingredients:
Strawberries
Strawberries provide important antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese and fiber. The anthocyanins that give strawberries their red color are linked to reduced inflammation and heart health.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are high in vitamin K, copper and potassium. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Plus, they are low in calories and high in water content.
Mint
In addition to giving a fresh burst of flavor, mint provides vitamin A, manganese, folate and antioxidants. It can help aid digestion.
Feta
Feta cheese adds protein, calcium, phosphorus and vitamin B12. It has a creamy, salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
So you get a tasty salad full of nutrients your body needs! It makes for a very well-rounded, healthy side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Strawberry-Cucumber Salad Recipe
One of the best parts about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is. Here’s what you’ll need to put together this fresh salad:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1⁄4 cup sliced or torn fresh mint leaves
For the Dressing:
- 1⁄4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
That’s really all you need for a salad that serves 4-6 people! I always have most of these basic ingredients on hand.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Strawberry-Cucumber Salad
After making this easy strawberry-cucumber salad recipe many times, I’ve picked up some helpful tips along the way. Here are my tricks for making this salad really stand out:
Use Very Fresh, Ripe Berries
The star of this salad is obviously the juicy strawberries! Be sure to select the freshest, ripest ones you can find for the best flavor. I recommend buying them the same day you’ll be eating the salad.
Chill Thoroughly
Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, allows time for the flavors to blend together. The cold salad is very refreshing on a hot day!
Dice the Ingredients
Cut the strawberries and cucumbers into a uniform dice so they are all about the same size. This gives you a bite with everything in each forkful.
Get Creative with Add-Ins
Customize your salad by adding diced apple, candied nuts, chicken, or any other toppings you like! The basic recipe is very versatile.
Make the Dressing Ahead
You can whip up the simple yogurt dressing up to 3 days before and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Follow these tips and this strawberry-cucumber salad is sure be a huge hit at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Putting Together This Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Here is the easy step-by-step method for making this delicious salad:
Step 1 – Wash and Hull the Strawberries
Rinse the strawberries under cool water and remove the leafy green tops. Pat the berries dry with a paper towel before slicing.
Step 2 – Slice the Strawberries and Cucumbers
Use a sharp knife to slice the strawberries and cucumbers into uniform 1⁄2 inch pieces.
Step 3 – Whisk Up the Yogurt Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk well until smooth.
Step 4 – Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced strawberries and cucumbers. Then add the feta and mint.
Step 5 – Drizzle on the Dressing
Drizzle the yogurt dill dressing over the top and gently toss again until coated evenly.
Step 6 – Refrigerate
Cover the bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes up to 8 hours. Then serve your fresh strawberry cucumber salad!
It’s that easy to put together this fast, delicious salad using just a few simple steps and ingredients!
More Ideas for Fresh Spring and Summer Salads
If you love fruit-filled salads, here are some other amazing combinations to try:
Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Toss together mixed berries, spinach, walnuts and feta. Top with a sweet poppyseed dressing.
Peach Caprese Salad
Slice fresh peaches, mozzarella, and tomatoes. Arrange on a bed of lettuce and drizzle with balsamic reduction.
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Dice watermelon and cucumber. Toss with mint, feta, and lime vinaigrette.
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Chicken
Add sliced grilled chicken to spinach, strawberries, avocado, goat cheese and pecan pieces.
Mango Black Bean Salad
Mix together mango, black beans, red onion, cilantro and lime juice. Serve over greens.
All of these fruit-filled salads are perfect for spring and summer! Try out new combinations with whatever produce is in season.
More Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipes to Try
While this basic strawberry cucumber salad is my favorite, there are lots of ways to change it up. Here are some easy variations:
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Vinegar
Toss the berries and cukes with shredded basil, balsamic glaze and olive oil.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Mustard
Mix together sliced strawberries, cucumbers, honey, mustard, and chopped pistachios.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Top your salad with a tangy yogurt poppyseed dressing for extra flavor.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Use crumbled feta and candied walnuts instead of mint for a twist.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Chicken
Add grilled chicken breast slices to turn it into a main dish salad.
The basic recipe is endlessly adaptable, so get creative and make it your own!
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about making this strawberry cucumber salad recipe:
Does the salad need time to chill?
It’s best to allow the salad to chill for 30 minutes up to 8 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
You can use frozen strawberries, just be sure to thaw and drain them first to remove excess liquid.
What dressing pairs well with this salad?
The yogurt dill dressing is perfect, but you could also use a poppyseed dressing or simple oil and vinegar.
How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
Properly stored, this salad will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Top with dressing just before serving.
What’s the best way to cut the strawberries and cucumbers?
For the most evenly-sized pieces, cut them into 1/2 inch dice. Uniform pieces make tossing and eating easier.
Can I add chicken or shrimp to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp would pair great with the sweet strawberries and cucumbers.
Conclusion
This easy strawberry cucumber salad is the perfect light and refreshing recipe for spring and summer. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s fast to make but tastes amazing. Be sure to use ripe, juicy berries and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor in every bite. Chill thoroughly before serving this bright, beautiful salad at your next warm weather get-together!
