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    You are here: Home » Meal Type » Salads » Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad

    Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad

    August 15, 2022 By Danielle Esposti 5 Comments

    May contain affiliate links.See our Privacy Policy and disclosure.

    Go to Recipe
    Strawberry cucumber salad in a white bowl with a top banner that reads 15 minutes strawberry cucumber salad.
    2 pictured of strawberry cucumber salad and a middle banner that reads 15 minute strawberry cucumber salad.

    Forget frosty beverages – this refreshing summer side will keep you cool as a cucumber. Strawberry Cucumber Salad is loaded with your freshest favorites. Crisp cucumbers, juicy strawberries, and zesty red onion with fresh herbs and honey-balsamic drizzle make for a harmonious hunger-busting salad that satisfies on its own, but is also ripe for add-ins.

    Strawberry cucumber salad with red onions in a white serving bowl with a vintage serving spoon and grey linen napkin to the side.
    Jump to:
    • How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad
    • Chef’s Tips!
    • Make It Your Way
    • How Long Will This Salad Keep?
    • Recipe

    We all knew when fast food chains start adding strawberries to their grab-and-go salads that this was no longer just a passing trend. And I’m not talking fruit salads (or even fruit-forward salads, like strawberry watermelon salad) – I’m talking straight up “healthy” dinner options from places like Wendy’s and Panera.

    And they’re not wrong… Berries are one of the best ways to brighten up a savory salad. They’re the perfect blend of sweet and tart, plus they bring a hit of acid without having to rely on citrus. (But they do blend beautifully with citrus if you want to double-down. Try strawberry avocado salsa with fresh lime juice if you need to test that theory.)

    Strawberries, in particular, enhance a host of veggies and proteins, as in our Strawberry Avocado Chicken Salad. They also complement other add-ins, including nuts and even cheeses, to create awesome flavor combinations. Case in point, Strawberry Kale Salad.

    That all being said, these juicy little nuggets aren’t just “accessories.” Nobody puts berry in the corner – because balance is the name of the game.

    Strawberries make this side salad a sweeter, tangier version of a tomato cucumber salad. Honey and balsamic vinegar elevate the sweet and the tang in equal measure, while crisp cucumbers and red onion add flavorful crunch in totally different ways.

    Bottom line, this salad is an ideal antidote to a sticky summer evening when you want to justify ice pops for dinner but can’t.

    From the side, strawberry cucumber salad in a glass mixing bowl with wood serving spoons.
    Strawberry cucumber salad on a white plate with a fork.

    How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad

    Quick and refreshing, Strawberry Cucumber Salad comes together in mere minutes, and it’s as easy as it gets. Macerate red onions in balsamic vinegar to remove their bite, then toss with strawberries and cucumber. Fold in a little magic with fresh mint and basil, and you have the perfect summer side dish for just about anything!

    Balsamic vinegar dressing getting whisked in a bowl.
    Thinly sliced red onions macerating in balsamic vinegar in a glass mixing bowl.
    Sliced strawberries on a cutting board.
    Sliced cucumber on a cutting board.
    Sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onions topped with minced fresh mint and basil in a glass mixing bowl.
    Tossed strawberry and cucumber salad with red onions and balsamic dressing in a glass mixing bowl.
    1. Whisk extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and salt in a large mixing bowl until well combined.
    2. Add thinly sliced red onions and gently toss. Let sit 10 minutes to macerate – this will remove some of the bitter bite from the onions.
    3. Add the strawberries, cucumber, basil, and mint.
    4. Toss gently until well combined. Enjoy!

    Chef’s Tips!

    • Consistent, thin slices – berries, cukes, and onions – make for a better bite!
    • Macerate the onions for at least 10 minutes to remove some of the bitterness.
    • English cucumbers are sweeter, with delicate skins that don’t need to be peeled. We prefer them over American cucumbers for salads.
    Detail from overhead, strawberry cucumber salad in a white mixing bowl with a vintage silver serving spoon.

    Make It Your Way

    • Add thinly sliced avocado. Gently toss with the strawberries and cucumber.
    • Go green! Add in leafy greens like arugula or tender baby spinach.
    • Top or toss with grilled protein for a make-ahead lunch. We love this with sliced balsamic chicken thighs or grilled rosemary steak.
    • Say cheese! Add fresh mozzarella, goat, or feta cheese.
    • Turn it into a panzanella! Dice or 4 cups of day old crusty bread into 1″ pieces. Toast the bread in a 400°F oven until golden brown. Double the dressing, then add the bread along with four ounces of fresh mozzarella in step 3. Place in the fridge and marinate for about an hour.

    How Long Will This Salad Keep?

    Plan on one day in the fridge, max, or the fruit is going to wilt. It’s best enjoyed right away, so our best recommendation is to only make as much as you’ll eat in a single sitting. The upside? It’s so easy to make that single portion sizes are both easy and recommended.

    A serving of strawberry cucumber salad on a white plate with a fork tucked in.

    Did you make this strawberry cucumber salad recipe? I’d love to know how it turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.

    While you’re at it, let’s be friends – follow me on Pinterest and Instagram for the latest and greatest.

    Recipe

    Strawberry Cucumber Salad

    5 from 2 votes
    Author: Danielle Esposti
    Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe
    Quick and refreshing, Strawberry Cucumber Salad comes together in mere minutes, and it’s as easy as it gets. Macerate red onions in balsamic vinegar to remove their bite, then toss with strawberries and cucumber. Fold in a little magic with fresh mint and basil, and you have the perfect summer side dish for just about anything!
    Prep Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 15 mins
    Servings : 4
    Calories: 111

    Recommended Equipment

    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • whisk

    Ingredients

    • 1 pint strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
    • 1 english cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
    • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
    • ½ c chopped fresh basil
    • ½ c chopped fresh mint
    • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tsp honey, or agave
    • ½ tsp kosher salt

    Instructions

    • Combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined.
    • Add the onions to the dressing and gently toss. Let sit 10 minutes to macerate and remove some of the bitterness from the onions..
    • Add the strawberries, cucumber, basil, and mint to the bowl. Toss gently until well combined. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    This salad doesn’t keep well – plan on 1 day in the fridge at best. For best results, we recommend only making as much as you’ll consume in a single sitting.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 111kcal (6%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 8g (12%), Saturated Fat: 1g (5%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 587mg (24%), Potassium: 8mg, Fiber: 4g (16%), Sugar: 5g (6%), Vitamin A: 1200% (1200%), Vitamin C: 14.9% (15%), Calcium: 40% (40%), Iron: 0.9% (1%)
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @oursaltykitchen or tag #oursaltykitchen!
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    Disclaimer: This post and the recipe card may contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission (at no cost to you!) if you make a purchase using these links. Rest assured, we only endorse products we own and truly love!

    5 Comments
    Filed Under: Gluten Free, Grain Free, Paleo, Salads, Side Dishes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30 Recipes Tagged With: cucumber, dairy free, fresh herbs, strawberries, vegan

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elaine | The Seasoned Vegetable

      June 23, 2017 at 3:24 pm

      Your littles look SO happy to be picking out in the field! And I feel so happy looking at these beautiful images and imagining the flavors. Will have to try!

      Reply
    2. Lizzy

      May 28, 2020 at 8:58 am

      Nom!! Got all my ingredients and am ready to chop and assemble! About how long does this baby last if under constant refrigeration?
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Danielle

        May 28, 2020 at 9:09 am

        If you dress with the olive oil and balsamic just before serving, you can get at least 2 days of storage, maybe three. I like to line the storage container with a paper towel on the bottom to help wick away moisture. The only real issue is that the flavor of the red onion will really seep in after more than a day of storage – if you love red onion, that’s not a problem, but if the flavor is too strong for you after that long, you might want to eat it more quickly. Enjoy!!

        Reply
    3. Anne

      August 13, 2020 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! Making it again for dinner this evening. Cool, refreshing, and a great side for anything off the grilled. Have a hamburger alongside or top the salad with grilled chicken.

      Reply
    4. Brent

      January 20, 2021 at 12:02 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipie! It’s so versatile. It’s a great side and if I want it for a main course I add penne pasta and feta cheese!

      Reply

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