Strawberry Cucumber Salad (Printable)
Refreshing mix of sweet strawberries and crisp cucumbers with mint, basil, and tangy balsamic dressing.
# What You'll Need:
→ Produce
01 - 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
05 - 1 small shallot, finely sliced
→ Dressing
06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
10 - Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
12 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# How to Make It:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, add sliced strawberries, cucumber, mint, basil, and shallot. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified and smooth.
03 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over the strawberry-cucumber mixture. Using a large spoon or salad tosser, gently fold ingredients until evenly coated.
04 - Transfer salad to a serving platter or divide among individual bowls. Top with crumbled feta and additional black pepper. Serve immediately while fresh.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweetness of strawberries pairs perfectly with cool crisp cucumber creating a flavor profile that wakes up your palate
- It comes together in fifteen minutes flat but looks like something from a fancy restaurant
02 -
- Toss the salad with dressing no more than thirty minutes before serving or the cucumbers will release too much water and get soggy
- Letting the dressed salad sit for just ten minutes actually helps the flavors develop better than serving immediately
03 -
- Chill your serving bowl for ten minutes before assembling to keep the salad extra refreshing on hot days
- Use a vegetable peeler to create ribbons of cucumber for an elegant restaurant style presentation