When it comes to light, refreshing dishes, nothing beats a strawberry cucumber salad.
Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a satisfying lunch on a warm day, this combination is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
The strawberries add a touch of natural sweetness, while the cool, crisp cucumber perfectly balances everything out.
What’s more, the fresh basil and balsamic glaze add an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cucumber Salad
It’s Refreshing: The combination of crisp cucumber and juicy strawberries makes this salad light, fresh, and perfect for any time of day.
It’s Easy to Make: This salad requires only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Packed with Flavor: The sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic glaze, and basil leaves create a unique and delicious salad.
Healthy and Nutritious – Strawberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C, while cucumbers provide hydration and are low in calories. It’s a win-win for all the folks on a weight loss journey.
Versatile – This salad can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a quick snack. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your taste.
Ingredients For Your Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
Cucumber: I used mini cucumbers. Look for one that’s firm, fresh, and cool to the touch.
Strawberries: Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the perfect natural sweetness.
Cilantro: These will add a refreshing, aromatic flavor to balance the salad. If you can’t get cilantro leaves, substitute them with basil.
Almonds: I used sliced almonds for a bit of crunch. These are optional but highly recommended.
Extra virgin olive oil: A high-quality olive oil will make the dressing rich and flavorful.
Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to enhance the dressing.
Balsamic glaze: To tie the salad together.
Maple syrup or honey: These are optional, but I like to use them to add more sweetness to the dressing.
Salt and black pepper: To taste
How to Make Strawberry and Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep the vegetables
Thinly slice your cucumber and fresh strawberries. Tear the fresh cilantro or basil leaves into smaller pieces.
Step 2: Mix the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, strawberries, and torn basil leaves. If you’re adding extra crunch, toss in 2 tablespoons of slivered almonds.
Step 3: Whisk the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey (if desired).
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Step 4: Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture. Gently toss everything to ensure the salad is evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Garnish with a few extra basil leaves and an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze if you like. Serve immediately.
Make This Salad Your Own
Feel free to get creative with this strawberry cucumber salad! If you want more crunch, add some chopped nuts.
Looking for a heartier option? Serve it alongside grilled tofu or fish. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
Why This Strawberry Cucumber Salad Is a Summer Staple
This recipe is the perfect go-to when you want something refreshing yet satisfying.
It’s quick to make, flavorful, and full of healthy ingredients that your body will thank you for.Â
Plus, the sweet and savory combination of strawberries, cucumbers, and basil will have you hooked!
Other Cucumber Salad Recipes to Try
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber - large, or 3 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup strawberries - hulled and sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro - or basil, fresh, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsps slivered almonds - optional, for crunch
- 1 tbsp olive oil - extra virgin
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp maple syrup - or honey
- salt - to taste
- black pepper - to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumber slices, strawberries, and cilantro or basil leaves. If using, sprinkle in the slivered almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon zest, and maple syrup (or honey). Season with salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Serve your strawberry cucumber salad immediately, garnished with a few extra cilantro or basil leaves and a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
