Easy 5-minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad

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Easy 5-minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad

When the sun’s out and fresh produce is in abundance, there’s nothing more satisfying than a cool, crisp Strawberry Cucumber Salad. Bursting with vibrant color, refreshing crunch, and sweet-savory contrast, this simple salad is a crowd favorite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a healthy lunch, or want a side that screams summer, this salad checks all the boxes.

With ripe strawberries, cool cucumbers, zesty red onion, creamy feta, and fresh mint, tossed in a light golden balsamic dressing, this recipe is fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cucumber Salad

  • Ready in under 15 minutes
  • No cooking required!
  • Perfect for picnics, brunches, or BBQs
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
  • Easy to prep ahead of time
  • Customizable with simple ingredient swaps
  • Healthy, hydrating, and low-calorie

Whether you’re searching for the best way to make strawberry cucumber salad at home or just want a quick salad for summer, this one is a must-try.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Here’s everything you need to make this homemade strawberry cucumber salad:

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 4 cups cucumbers, chopped (English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work best)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 8 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
  • ½ cup fresh mint, minced

For the Dressing:

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup golden balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (add salt to taste if needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Avocado slices
  • Arugula or baby spinach
  • Chopped walnuts or pistachios
  • Honey drizzle for extra sweetness
Easy 5-minute cucumber strawberry salad
Easy 5-minute cucumber strawberry salad – optimalrecipes.com

How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

  • Wash and quarter the strawberries.
  • Chop cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
  • Finely dice red onion.
  • Cube or crumble feta cheese.
  • Mince fresh mint leaves.

Pro Tip: Use a paper towel to lightly pat strawberries and cucumbers dry for best texture.

Step 2: Make the Golden Balsamic Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or jar, whisk together:

  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • ⅓ cup golden balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness as needed.

Want it sweeter? Add ½ tsp honey or maple syrup.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, gently combine:

  • Strawberries
  • Cucumbers
  • Red onion
  • Feta cheese
  • Mint

Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp!

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving for deeper flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Cucumber Salad

“What is the secret to the best strawberry cucumber salad?”

  • Use ripe, in-season strawberries for maximum sweetness.
  • English or Persian cucumbers are best—less watery, thin-skinned, no seeds.
  • Don’t overdress—this salad shines with a light coat.
  • Chill ingredients before assembling for extra refreshment.
  • Serve immediately after tossing to preserve crispness.

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Looking for ideas on how to serve strawberry cucumber salad? Try these combos:

  • As a BBQ side with grilled chicken or salmon
  • At brunch with quiche or croissants
  • On a summer grazing board with nuts, cheeses, and charcuterie
  • With sparkling water or rosé for a light summer pairing
  • Topped with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Cucumber Salad (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories180 kcal
Carbohydrates13g
Protein5g
Fat12g
Fiber3g
Vitamin C65% DV
Calcium20% DV

This salad is rich in antioxidants, hydrating, and naturally low in sugar—perfect for clean eating!

Storage & Leftovers

How long does strawberry cucumber salad last in the fridge?

2 days max, but best when served fresh.

Can you freeze strawberry cucumber salad?

No, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in strawberries and cucumbers.

How to store leftovers:

  • Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Store dressing separately and combine just before eating.

FAQs – Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Can I make strawberry cucumber salad ahead of time?

Yes! Prep ingredients and dressing separately. Combine just before serving.

What can I use instead of feta?

Try goat cheese, vegan feta, or even mozzarella pearls.

What’s the best cucumber to use?

English cucumbers or mini Persian cucumbers. Avoid large seedy cucumbers.

Can I add greens?

Absolutely! Arugula, spinach, or baby kale add extra nutrients.

Is this strawberry cucumber salad gluten-free?

Yes! Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. To make it dairy-free, use vegan feta or omit cheese.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this fresh summer salad, you’ll love these too:

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Strawberry Cucumber Salad!

Fresh, crisp, sweet, and savory—this easy summer salad is a must-make whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting, or just craving something clean and hydrating.

Now you know how to make the best strawberry cucumber salad at home!

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Easy 5-minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Easy 5-minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad


  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A light, refreshing, and vibrant strawberry cucumber salad with feta, mint, and a golden balsamic dressing. Perfect for summer meals, BBQs, or healthy lunches, ready in just 10 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds strawberries, quartered
  • 4 cups cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 8 oz feta cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup fresh mint, minced
  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup golden balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and quarter the strawberries. Chop the cucumbers and red onion. Cube the feta cheese and mince the fresh mint.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and mint.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness.
  • English or Persian cucumbers work best—low seeds and extra crunch.
  • Keep the dressing separate if prepping ahead of time.
  • Optional: add arugula, nuts, or avocado for variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: strawberry cucumber salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, strawberry feta salad, easy summer recipe, quick salad

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