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I whip up this cucumber and strawberry mix whenever I want something super fresh and cheerful for lunch or casual get-togethers in the spring. It's zippy, super fast to put together, and the combo of sweet strawberries with crunchy cucumber and that sunny tangy dressing always gets rave reviews.
This salad always takes me back to throwing my first spring party outside after months of cold. My friends went for seconds and now they're always waiting for it at every BBQ or warm day hangout.
Fresh Ingredients List
- Olive oil: A splash of extra virgin brings some kick
- Black pepper: Go for freshly cracked for a bold taste
- Strawberries: Find the brightest berries you can but steer clear of mushy ones
- Honey: If it’s local or unfiltered, the flavor really pops
- Balsamic vinegar: Pick a thicker syrupy style for a sweet hit
- Fresh mint: Hunt for vibrantly green leaves—they give you the most flavor
- Salt: Makes the fruit flavors come alive
- Cucumber: Only grab ones that feel strong and look smooth with no weird spots
Easy-to-Follow Steps
- Adjust and Rest:
- Try a bite and see if it needs more salt, pepper, or honey for balance. Let the salad chill for 10 minutes so everything blends together before you dig in.
- Add Fresh Mint:
- Wash off the mint, dry the leaves fully, then stack them. Roll the stack up and slice them super thin. Top your tossed salad with the mint to give it a refreshing kick. Give it one last toss to spread that green goodness around.
- Dress and Toss the Salad:
- Take your finished dressing and pour it all over the strawberry and cucumber mix. Gently use clean hands or a large spoon to toss things together—just enough to coat everything, without smashing the berries.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, stir olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey together. Whisk it up until shiny and smooth. Add a sprinkle of salt and just-ground pepper, whisk quickly again so all the flavors blend.
- Slice and Add the Strawberries:
- Give the strawberries a rinse and pat 'em dry so water doesn’t pool in the bowl. Snip off the leafy tops with a knife. Cut them up about a quarter inch thick, then dump them in with the cucumbers. Go for the juiciest, brightest berries you have.
- Prepare the Cucumber:
- Rinse your cucumber under cold water until any wax or dirt is gone. Cut into thin round slices—about an eighth of an inch thick—with a sharp blade. That way, every bite stays nice and crisp.
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I always look forward to adding the fresh mint. We used to have tubs of it on our porch when I was a kid. Mom would send me to snip mint leaves for this salad. Bringing it in reminds me of those early summer days every single time.
How to store leftovers
Pop any extras in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for a day at most. It always tastes best within a few hours because the strawberries start to make things soggy. If you wanna get ahead for a party, keep the dressing and salad separate—mix right before serving for best crunch.
Swaps you can try
English or Persian cucumbers are awesome if you want fewer seeds and softer pieces. If you need it vegan, maple syrup or agave is a good switch instead of honey. Can’t find mint? Basil gives the salad a whole new herby vibe.
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How to serve it
This one is awesome next to grilled fish or a pile of chicken. Pair it with a chunk of crusty bread for a really chill lunch, or toss it onto leafy greens. It totally brightens up any brunch or picnic table too.
A bit of history
Mixing cucumbers and fruit is a major thing in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, especially when it’s hot out. Mint is huge in Lebanese and Greek salads and really cranks up the freshness of tangy dressings.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
If you want to prep early, it’ll hold up for about an hour. Tip—add the mint right before you eat so it stays perky and green.
- → Is it possible to use a different sweetener?
Totally, swap the honey for agave nectar or maple syrup, especially if you want to keep it vegan or just switch things up.
- → How do I keep the strawberries from getting mushy?
Easy—don’t stir too much, and slice your strawberries at the last minute so they stay nice and firm.
- → What other herbs can I use besides mint?
Basil is awesome for this! It gives a fresh twist that works great with strawberries and cucumber together.
- → Is there a way to make this salad tangier?
You bet, just pour in a bit more balsamic or squeeze some fresh lemon over the top for extra zing.