This refreshing strawberry cucumber salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal dish for warm weather. The combination of juicy strawberries and crisp cucumbers creates a light and vibrant salad that is both nutritious and delicious.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it a great option for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. You can easily customize it by adding nuts, cheese, or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Overview of Strawberry Cucumber Salad
The strawberry cucumber salad is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. This vibrant salad is perfect for warm days, offering a burst of flavor and color that can brighten any meal.
With its simple preparation and fresh ingredients, this salad is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. The addition of red onion adds a subtle bite, while a light vinaigrette ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Whether served as a side at a barbecue or as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Its versatility allows for various additions, making it a customizable favorite for many occasions.
Ingredients That Shine
The key components of this salad are fresh strawberries and cucumbers, which provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Strawberries bring a natural sweetness, while cucumbers offer a crisp, hydrating element. Thin slices of red onion add depth and a hint of sharpness, balancing the overall flavor profile.
For those looking to enhance the salad further, optional ingredients such as feta cheese or nuts can be added for an extra layer of richness and crunch.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing the strawberry cucumber salad is a quick and straightforward process. Start by hulling and slicing the strawberries, peeling and dicing the cucumber, and thinly slicing the red onion.
Next, whisk together a light vinaigrette using olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoned with salt and pepper. This dressing complements the salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and gently toss to ensure everything is well coated.
Garnishing for Appeal
To elevate the presentation of the salad, garnishing is essential. Fresh mint leaves not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing aroma that enhances the overall experience.
After tossing the salad, transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle the mint leaves on top. This simple step makes the dish look inviting and appetizing.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it an excellent side for summer barbecues.
It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or snack. For a more substantial meal, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this salad is sure to be a hit with its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its delicious taste, the strawberry cucumber salad offers numerous nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while cucumbers provide hydration and essential nutrients.
This salad is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. The optional additions of nuts or cheese can enhance the nutritional profile, providing healthy fats and protein.
Enjoying this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also contributes to your overall well-being.
Easy Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe
This strawberry cucumber salad features fresh strawberries and cucumbers tossed together with a light vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Hull and slice the strawberries, peel and dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, cucumber, red onion, and optional feta cheese and nuts.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, ensuring the ingredients are well coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 12g