Description
This vibrant 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad combines fresh, crisp cucumbers and sweet strawberries with a tangy, herbaceous dressing. Enhanced with creamy feta cheese, fresh basil and mint, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing, it's a refreshing and healthy dish perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or a summer side salad.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers (Persian or mini cucumbers recommended for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 5-10 leaves fresh basil, chopped (depending on size)
- 5-10 leaves fresh mint, chopped (depending on size)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until all ingredients are well blended. Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, add chopped strawberries, chopped cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, chopped basil, and chopped mint. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and adjust seasoning: Toss the salad gently yet thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to experience the vibrant flavors and crisp textures at their best. This salad is best served right away for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use Persian or mini cucumbers for added crunch and a more delicate flavor.
- Fresh herbs like basil and mint elevate the freshness and complement the sweetness of strawberries.
- The salad is best served immediately to maintain cucumber crunch and prevent strawberries from becoming soggy.
- Honey balances the acidity of lemon and vinegar; adjust sweetness to preference.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans as a topping.
