Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients) is a delightful, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the crispness of cucumbers, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, barbecues, or simply as a light side dish during warmer months. With just six ingredients and a zesty lime honey vinaigrette, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavors that will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of strawberries and cucumbers ensures each bite is refreshing and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side salad for any meal or as a light appetizer on its own.
• Healthy Option: Low in calories yet high in flavor, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and delicious taste make it a hit at gatherings and parties.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients), you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl or mason jar (for dressing)
• Whisk or fork

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for fruits and vegetables, enhancing presentation.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows easy tossing of ingredients without spilling.
• Mason jar: Ideal for shaking the dressing, ensuring all flavors combine seamlessly.

Ingredients

Starwberry Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a vibrant, simple ingredient refreshing spring or summer salad. Fresh strawberries burst with sweet, juicy flavor, cucumbers give their signature refreshing crunchiness, topped with lime honey vinaigrette and mint. 2 salad ingredients + 4 for the dressing!

For the Salad

• 1 ½ cup strawberries (chilled, hulled, and quartered or sliced into 3-4 pieces)
• 2 cups sliced cucumber (chilled, thinly sliced)

For the Dressing

• 1 ½ tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (good quality)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh mint + more for garnish

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In this step, you will create the zesty dressing that makes this salad shine.
* In a small bowl or tightly sealed mason jar, combine honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint.
* Stir or shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Now it’s time to bring everything together into a colorful dish.
* In a large mixing bowl, add chilled cucumbers and strawberries.
* Drizzle with the prepared dressing. Be cautious not to over-dress; you want just enough to coat without drowning the ingredients.

Step 3: Season and Serve

Finishing touches can elevate your salad’s flavor profile significantly.
* Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance flavors—just a bit will do!
* Top with extra fresh mint for garnish. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

How to Serve Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

Serving Cucumber Strawberry Salad is all about enhancing its fresh flavors. This salad pairs beautifully with various dishes and can be enjoyed in many ways.

As a Refreshing Side Dish

• Perfect for BBQs: This salad complements grilled meats wonderfully, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Picnic Essential: Its lightness makes it an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings, keeping you cool and satisfied.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens Base: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens for added texture and nutrition.
• Spinach Layer: Pair it with fresh spinach to elevate the flavors and add vibrant color.

Accompanied by Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Top your salad with grilled chicken for a complete meal packed with protein.
• Tofu Addition: For a vegetarian option, add marinated tofu cubes for a hearty touch.

How to Perfect Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

To make your Cucumber Strawberry Salad truly shine, consider these tips for the best results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries and cucumbers enhance flavor significantly compared to older produce.
• Chill Before Serving: Chill your salad ingredients beforehand to ensure maximum refreshment when served.
• Adjust Dressing Amount: Start with less dressing; you can always add more if needed, ensuring the salad isn’t soggy.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh mint not only adds flavor but also elevates the presentation of your salad.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

Cucumber Strawberry Salad pairs well with numerous side dishes that enhance any meal. Here are some top options.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, this classic BBQ side brings out the sweetness in strawberries.
2. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread provides a delightful contrast to the fresh and juicy salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf adds fiber and protein, balancing this light dish perfectly.
4. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil skewers echo the freshness of cucumber strawberry salad.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Savory roasted vegetables offer depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the salad.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are a comforting side that pairs well with the lightness of this dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients) is simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of.

• Overdressing the salad: Using too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Aim for just enough to lightly coat the ingredients for maximum flavor without drowning them.
• Using unripe strawberries: Unripe strawberries can be tart and less enjoyable. Always choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste and texture in your salad.
• Cutting cucumbers too thick: Thick cucumber slices can be overwhelming. Slice them thinly for a refreshing crunch that complements the strawberries.
• Neglecting freshness of mint: Fresh mint adds a burst of flavor. Dried mint won’t provide the same vibrant taste, so always opt for fresh leaves when possible.
• Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt enhances all flavors in the salad. Don’t skip this step; it makes a noticeable difference!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the salad in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep dressing separate until ready to serve for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

• Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers and strawberries have high water content, which will affect their texture.
• If necessary, you may freeze individual components separately but expect changes in texture upon thawing.

Reheating Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

• Oven: Not applicable for this salad as it’s best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid heating; this salad is intended to be enjoyed fresh.
• Stovetop: Again, reheating isn’t recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What other fruits can I add to my Cucumber Strawberry Salad?

You can add fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples. These fruits pair well with both cucumber and strawberry while adding different flavors and textures.

Can I make Cucumber Strawberry Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just keep them separate from the dressing until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.

How do I customize the lime honey vinaigrette?

Feel free to adjust honey levels or add ingredients like Dijon mustard or garlic for extra flavor! Experimenting with your vinaigrette can create unique variations of this Cucumber Strawberry Salad.

Is this Cucumber Strawberry Salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad makes an excellent meal prep option. Just store components separately and mix before eating.

Final Thoughts

The Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients) is not only quick and easy but also wonderfully versatile. Its blend of flavors makes it perfect for warm days or as an appetizer for gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or herbs, ensuring each bite is fresh and delightful! Give it a try today!

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Cucumber Strawberry Salad (Just 6 Ingredients)

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Cucumber Strawberry Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that delights the senses. With just six simple ingredients, it combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the crunchy texture of cucumbers, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Enhanced by a zesty lime honey vinaigrette, this salad is an ideal companion for summer picnics, barbecues, or as a light side dish on warm days. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s not only visually appealing with its bright colors but also packed with nutrients. This crowd-pleaser is sure to impress at any gathering and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy it as a side or transform it into a main course by adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu.

• Total Time: 51 minute
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ cups strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 2 cups cucumbers (thinly sliced)
• 1 ½ tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh mint (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by combining honey, olive oil, lime juice, and fresh mint in a small bowl or mason jar. Mix well until fully combined.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine chilled cucumbers and strawberries. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
3. Lightly season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with additional fresh mint and serve immediately.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 150g)
• Calories: 90
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 3mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Chill ingredients before assembling for a refreshing taste. Feel free to customize by adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries to enhance flavor.