Fresh Cucumber Strawberry Salad

This refreshing cucumber strawberry salad combines the sweetness of summer fruits with the cool crispness of cucumber for a perfect warm-weather side dish. The bright colors and vibrant flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering, while the simple preparation lets the fresh ingredients shine.

I first created this recipe during a particularly scorching summer when turning on the oven seemed unbearable. My family immediately declared it our official heatwave survival strategy, and it has earned a permanent spot in our warm-weather rotation.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: Look for bright red berries with a sweet aroma, avoiding any with white shoulders or soft spots
• Watermelon: Choose a melon that feels heavy for its size and has a deep hollow sound when tapped
• English cucumber: Opt for this variety as it has thinner skin and fewer seeds than regular cucumbers
• Red onion: Adds a gentle pungency that balances the sweetness, slice it very thin for best texture
• Fresh mint: The cooling herb that ties everything together, select vibrant green leaves
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens all the flavors and adds necessary acidity
• Kosher salt and fresh pepper: The finishing touch that enhances all other ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the fruit:

Carefully hull and dice strawberries into bite-sized pieces about 1/2 inch in size. Cut watermelon into similar sized cubes after removing all seeds. Chop cucumber into half-moon slices if large or quarter rounds if small. The uniform size ensures you get a perfect bite with multiple flavors.

Create the base:

Combine the prepared strawberries, watermelon, and cucumber in a large serving bowl. Add thinly sliced red onion, distributing it evenly throughout. The onion provides a gentle bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruits.

Add the aromatics:

Tear or roughly chop fresh mint leaves and scatter them throughout the salad. Avoid cutting mint too far in advance as it can brown quickly. The mint adds a cooling fresh element that makes this salad especially refreshing.

Dress the salad:

Drizzle olive oil and fresh lime juice over all ingredients. The acid from the lime brightens the fruit flavors while the olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors cling to each ingredient. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Gently combine:

Use two large spoons or your hands to toss all ingredients together carefully. Avoid overmixing which can cause the delicate fruits to break down. Ensure everything is evenly coated with the simple dressing.

Serve or chill:

The salad can be enjoyed immediately for maximum freshness or refrigerated for up to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Any longer may cause the cucumber and strawberries to release too much liquid.

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The mint in this recipe truly transforms it from a simple fruit salad to something special. I grow several varieties in my garden, and chocolate mint adds an interesting twist when I want to surprise guests with an unexpected flavor. My daughter loves helping pick the mint leaves, and she insists the salad tastes better when she tears the leaves herself.

Make It Your Own

This cucumber strawberry salad welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Blueberries or blackberries make excellent additions or substitutions for the watermelon. Feta cheese crumbles offer a creamy, salty counterpoint to the sweet fruits if you want to make it more substantial. For a flavor boost, a tablespoon of honey in the dressing adds wonderful depth, especially if your berries arent at peak sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This vibrant salad makes a refreshing side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Its also substantial enough to serve as a light lunch when paired with crusty bread. For an elegant presentation at brunches or dinner parties, serve individual portions in stemless wine glasses or mason jars. The beautiful layers of red, pink and green create an instant visual appeal that will have guests reaching for seconds.

Storage Tips

For best results, consume this salad within 24 hours of preparation. If you need to store leftovers, drain any accumulated liquid before refrigerating in an airtight container. The cucumber and berries will continue to release moisture, so the texture will change slightly after the first day. To revive day-old salad, add a splash of fresh lime juice and a few new mint leaves just before serving.

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This light and vibrant salad is sure to impress guests while keeping you refreshed during hot summer days.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or within 2 hours of preparation. If you need to store leftovers, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours, though the cucumber and strawberries may release additional moisture over time.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare the ingredients separately up to a day ahead, but it's best to combine and dress the salad no more than 2 hours before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.

→ What can I substitute for watermelon?

If watermelon isn't available, try honeydew melon, cantaloupe, or even peaches for a different but complementary sweet element. Each will create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the refreshing quality of the dish.

→ Is this salad gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary needs. All ingredients are plant-based, and there are no gluten-containing components.

→ What main dishes pair well with this salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal. It also complements Mediterranean dishes, light pasta meals, or can stand alone as a light lunch with crusty bread on the side.

→ Can I add cheese to this salad?

Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese make excellent additions, adding a creamy, tangy element that complements the sweet fruit and crisp cucumber. Crumble it on top just before serving.