As summer unfolds, nothing quite captures the essence of the season like a vibrant, colorful salad. This Quick & Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta springs to life with a delightful contrast of sweet strawberries and crunchy cucumbers, making it an ideal companion for those sunny evenings. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this gluten-free and vegetarian dish is perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. The addition of fresh basil, mint, and creamy feta elevates it to a new level of deliciousness, ensuring it’s not just a salad but a standout side. Curious about how to whip up this refreshing dish that’s as nutritious as it is beautiful? Let’s dive in!
Why Will You Love This Salad?
Freshness at its peak: The combination of strawberries and cucumbers delivers a refreshing, juicy crunch that captures summer in every bite.
Nutritious goodness: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad is not only delicious but also contributes to a healthy diet.
Quick preparation: With just 20 minutes needed, you can have this vibrant dish ready for any meal or gathering.
Versatile pairing: It beautifully complements grilled proteins, making it a perfect side for chicken or seafood. Consider serving it alongside a Fall Fruit Salad for a light meal.
Crowd pleaser: Whether it’s a picnic or a holiday dinner, this colorful salad will wow your guests and elevate your culinary spread!
Strawberry Cucumber Salad Ingredients
• This vibrant Strawberry Cucumber Salad is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
For the Salad
- Strawberries – Use ripe strawberries for optimal sweetness and flavor.
- Cucumbers – Persian or mini cucumbers offer a refreshing crunch that’s perfect here.
- Feta Cheese – High-quality sheep’s feta adds creamy tang; store it in brine for the best taste.
- Fresh Basil – Use 5-10 chopped leaves to enhance the sweetness with aromatic notes.
- Fresh Mint – Adds a refreshing herbal flavor; chop 5-10 leaves depending on size.
- Salt and Pepper – A sprinkle enhances the overall flavor to taste.
For the Dressing
- Olive Oil – Acts as the dressing base, providing a rich, smooth finish.
- Lemon Juice – Use juice from half a lemon for bright acidity that elevates flavors.
- Honey – Natural sweetness that can be swapped with maple syrup for a vegan option.
- White Wine Vinegar – Adds tanginess; apple cider vinegar is a viable substitute.
- Garlic Powder – A touch adds depth to the dressing.
Get ready to enjoy this refreshing, healthy, and quick salad that’s simply irresistible!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice from half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well blended and slightly thickened. Set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld while you chop the salad ingredients.
Step 2: Chop the Fruits and Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, slice approximately 2 cups of ripe strawberries and 1 to 2 cucumbers. Aim for even-sized pieces—quarter the strawberries and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds for a visually appealing mix. Add these bright colors into the bowl along with ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese to infuse the salad with creaminess and tang.
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs
Chop about 5-10 fresh leaves each of basil and mint, adjusting to your taste preference for aroma. Gently fold these fragrant herbs into your Strawberry Cucumber Salad, allowing their refreshing essence to blend with the fruits and cheese. The mixture should now appear vibrant and colorful, showcasing the lovely contrast of red, green, and white.
Step 4: Combine the Salad
Carefully pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using two large spoons, gently toss everything together for about 1 minute to ensure all the components are evenly coated. Pay attention to the feta as it can break apart, so handle tenderly. The salad should now look beautifully coated and inviting, with colors brilliantly shining through.
Step 5: Adjust and Serve
Taste the completed Strawberry Cucumber Salad and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to enhance flavor. For optimal freshness, serve immediately in a large serving bowl, allowing your guests to marvel at the delightful colors and textures. This vibrant salad is best enjoyed right away, so gather everyone around and dive in!
Strawberry Cucumber Salad Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your personal touch on this delightful salad and make it uniquely yours!
- Vegan Option: Replace feta with a plant-based feta alternative for a creamy, cruelty-free twist. It melds beautifully with the other flavors!
- Sweeten it Up: Substitute honey with agave or maple syrup for a light and vegan-friendly dressing alternative.
- Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. They bring a delightful texture that contrasts wonderfully!
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the dressing for a fun, zesty heat. It will wake up your taste buds!
- Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh dill or cilantro instead of basil and mint. These herbs lend a unique, fresh character to the salad.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in diced peaches or nectarines for a juicy, sweet surprise that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- Citrus Zing: Add some zest from an orange or lime to the dressing for an extra citrus pop. It brightens the whole dish beautifully!
- Cheese Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy change. It pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries!
As you enjoy this salad, why not pair it with other refreshing dishes? A Quinoa Crunch Salad or Apple Broccoli Salad could elevate the meal and delight your guests!
What to Serve With Quick & Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta
Fill your table with delightful sides that enhance the refreshing qualities of this vibrant salad.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky chicken complements the salad’s sweetness, creating a balanced and hearty meal. The protein pairs beautifully with the lightness of the salad.
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Seared Salmon: The richness of salmon contrasts perfectly with the crisp, juicy elements in the salad, offering a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty and fluffy, this quinoa dish provides a wholesome, filling option that works well alongside the fresh flavors of the salad, making it a good base.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn brings a nostalgic summer feel and crunchy texture that echoes the freshness of strawberries and cucumbers.
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Caprese Skewers: These skewers of fresh mozzarella and basil harmonize with the salad’s herbs, while the tomatoes add a burst of juiciness that fits the summer theme.
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Sparkling Lemonade: The bright, zesty flavor of sparkling lemonade refreshes the palate and enhances the overall summer experience, making your meal feel festive.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Cucumber Salad
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your Strawberry Cucumber Salad depends on ripe strawberries and high-quality feta. Don’t skimp here!
- Prep Ahead, Not Mixed: To maintain freshness, prep your ingredients in advance but combine them just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Dress It Right: Mix the dressing thoroughly and adjust it to your taste; adding a hint more lemon can brighten the whole salad!
- Season Wisely: Don’t forget the salt and pepper; they enhance the natural flavors of the strawberries and cucumbers beautifully.
- Experiment with Herbs: While basil and mint are delightful, feel free to experiment with fresh dill or cilantro for a unique twist!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Strawberry Cucumber Salads are perfect for meal prep aficionados! You can slice the strawberries and cucumbers up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent sogginess. The feta and fresh herbs can be prepared ahead and added just before serving to keep their flavors fresh and vibrant. When ready to enjoy, simply combine all the components, pour the dressing over, and toss gently. This approach saves you time on busy weeknights while ensuring your salad remains just as delightful and colorful as if it were freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the cucumbers may release water and become soggy.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the delicate texture of fresh ingredients, which can lead to a mushy outcome upon thawing.
Preparation Tip: For meal prep, chop strawberries and cucumbers separately. Combine with feta and herbs just before serving for optimal freshness and taste.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; serve this Strawberry Cucumber Salad chilled for the best experience of flavors and crunch!
Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, look for ripe strawberries that are bright red with no dark spots or blemishes. They should feel slightly soft to the touch, which indicates they are sweet and juicy. If you find strawberries that are firm, they may not be fully ripe yet, so be sure to check for vibrant color and freshness.
How do I store leftovers of the salad?
Very simple! Store any leftover Strawberry Cucumber Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Just remember, the cucumbers can release water over time, which may affect the salad’s texture. For the best eating experience, it’s better to enjoy the salad fresh right after making it.
Can I freeze the Strawberry Cucumber Salad?
No, freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh ingredients, especially cucumbers and strawberries, tend to become mushy when thawed. Instead, if you want to meal prep, consider chopping the strawberries and cucumbers separately and storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to mix in the feta and herbs right before serving.
What if I have an allergy to feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you or someone you’re serving has a dairy allergy, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative, or omit it altogether. You could also add toasted nuts like walnuts or sliced almonds for creaminess and added flavor without the cheese.
Can I add ingredients to make it more filling?
Definitely! You can make this Strawberry Cucumber Salad heartier by adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken. This will transform it into a more substantial meal while keeping the refreshing taste intact.
What herbs can I use instead of basil and mint?
The more the merrier! While basil and mint are fantastic, feel free to explore other herbs such as dill or cilantro. They will offer their unique flavors and aromas, giving your salad a creative twist. Just make sure to adjust the amount based on how strong you want the herb flavor to be!
Delicious Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl or jar, combine 4 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice from half a lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Whisk or shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well blended and slightly thickened. Set the dressing aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, slice approximately 2 cups of ripe strawberries and 1 to 2 cucumbers. Aim for even-sized pieces—quarter the strawberries and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Add these bright colors into the bowl along with ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Chop about 5-10 fresh leaves each of basil and mint. Gently fold these fragrant herbs into the salad, allowing their refreshing essence to blend with the fruits and cheese.
- Carefully pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Using two large spoons, gently toss everything together for about 1 minute. Pay attention to the feta as it can break apart, so handle tenderly.
- Taste the completed salad and adjust seasoning if necessary with more salt and pepper. Serve immediately in a large serving bowl.
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