This refreshing Cucumber Strawberry Salad combines juicy summer fruits with crisp cucumber for a perfect warm-weather dish. The bright flavors of strawberries and watermelon are beautifully balanced by the coolness of cucumber and the zingy bite of red onion, all brought together with a simple lime dressing. It’s a colorful celebration of seasonal produce that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days
• No cooking required, ready in just minutes
• Beautiful colors make it a showstopper at any gathering
• Naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with vitamins
• Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light lunch

Ingredients

• Strawberries: Select bright red, fully ripe berries for maximum sweetness. In off-seasons, frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) can work in a pinch.
• Watermelon: Choose a seedless variety for convenience or a seeded one for more traditional flavor. The melon should feel heavy for its size and have a creamy yellow spot on the underside.
• English cucumber: English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers will work if peeled and seeded.
• Red onion: Adds a pleasant bite and beautiful purple color. For a milder flavor, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
• Fresh mint leaves: Brings a cooling, aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish. In a pinch, basil or cilantro can be substituted for a different but delicious flavor profile.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Avocado oil makes a nice alternative.
• Lime juice: Fresh is essential here for bright, zesty flavor. Lemon juice can be substituted if limes aren’t available.
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper: These seasonings enhance all the flavors. Sea salt works well too.

Variations

Berry Bonanza

Transform this salad by adding blueberries and blackberries to the mix. The additional berries create a more complex flavor profile and add even more antioxidants to this already nutritious dish.

Mediterranean Twist

Add crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and swap the mint for fresh oregano. This variation brings a savory Mediterranean flair to the original recipe and pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken.

Tropical Escape

Replace the watermelon with diced mango and pineapple, and add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Use lime zest along with the juice, and consider adding a touch of honey to the dressing for a tropical-inspired treat.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Produce

Carefully wash all fruits and vegetables. Hull and dice the strawberries, cube the watermelon, chop the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the mint leaves into small pieces, making sure not to bruise them. Combine all these colorful ingredients in a large serving bowl, creating a vibrant base for your salad.

Step 2: Create the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lime juice until emulsified. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This simple dressing will enhance the natural flavors of the fruits and vegetables without overpowering them.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

Pour the dressing over the fruit and vegetable mixture and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Take a moment to taste test and adjust the seasoning if needed, perhaps adding more lime juice for tanginess or salt to enhance the flavors. Serve immediately for maximum freshness, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill all ingredients before assembling for the most refreshing texture and flavor.
• Cut the fruits and cucumber into similar-sized pieces for a balanced bite and attractive presentation.
• If preparing in advance, add the mint just before serving to prevent it from wilting or turning brown.
• For a less pungent onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
• Pat the watermelon cubes with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will prevent the salad from becoming watery.
• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing if your strawberries aren’t particularly sweet.

How to Serve

This vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad makes a stunning presentation when served in a large, shallow bowl that showcases its beautiful colors. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, especially chicken or fish with simple seasonings that won’t compete with the salad’s fresh flavors. For a complete light summer meal, serve alongside crusty bread and a mild cheese such as fresh mozzarella or ricotta.

Consider garnishing with additional mint leaves and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving. For an elegant touch at dinner parties, serve individual portions in stemless wine glasses or on small plates with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated presentation.

Make Ahead

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance to save time. Wash and chop the cucumber, watermelon, and strawberries up to 24 hours ahead and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Slice the red onion and store it in cold water in the refrigerator to reduce its pungency.

The dressing can be mixed and stored in a small jar for up to 3 days ahead of time. When ready to serve, drain the onions well, combine all ingredients, add the freshly chopped mint, toss with the dressing, and enjoy.

If you have leftovers, they will keep in the refrigerator for about a day, though the texture will soften and the mint may darken. For the best presentation and flavor, consume within 24 hours of preparation.

FAQs

Can I make this salad the day before?

You can prepare the components the day before, but it’s best to assemble the salad no more than 2 hours before serving. The fruits will release juices over time and the mint will wilt, affecting both texture and appearance. For best results, prepare ingredients ahead of time but combine just before serving.

Is there a substitute for watermelon?

Absolutely! If watermelon isn’t available, try honeydew melon, cantaloupe, or even peaches or nectarines. Each will bring a different sweetness profile to the salad while maintaining the refreshing quality of the dish.

How can I make this salad into a full meal?

To transform this salad into a complete meal, add a protein source such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. For a vegetarian option, add crumbled feta or goat cheese and a handful of toasted nuts or seeds for additional protein and texture.

Can I use a different herb instead of mint?

Yes, you can substitute basil, cilantro, or even tarragon for the mint. Each herb will create a different flavor profile, so choose according to your preference or what complements your main dish.

Conclusion

This Cucumber Strawberry Salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors that capture the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a light lunch option, or simply wanting to take advantage of seasonal produce, this vibrant salad delivers both nutrition and satisfaction. With its minimal prep time and maximum flavor impact, it’s bound to become a staple in your warm-weather recipe collection. Try it today and bring a burst of color and freshness to your table!

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