If you’re craving a dish that tastes like pure sunshine in a bowl, this Strawberry Cucumber Salad is simply dreamy. It dances the line between sweet and savory, loaded with juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and a flurry of fresh mint, all drenched in a zesty golden dressing. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a barbecue, or just a Tuesday night dinner, this recipe delivers refreshing flavors, vibrant colors, and a bit of effortless elegance. One bite and you’ll see why this Strawberry Cucumber Salad is the hero of any warm-weather table.

Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad comes together with simple, bright ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component brings a little something special, from crunch and creaminess, to tang and a burst of fresh flavor – and yes, those strawberries steal the show!

Strawberries (1 1/2 pounds, quartered): Nature’s candy! Their sweetness balances the tangy elements and adds beautiful color.
Cucumbers (4 cups, chopped): Choose crisp, fresh cucumbers for ultimate crunch, which keeps every bite light and refreshing.
Red onion (1 small, chopped): Adds a gentle bite and sharp aroma, but doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Feta cheese (8 ounces, cubed): The tangy, creamy richness of feta makes this salad satisfyingly hearty.
Fresh mint (1/2 cup, minced): Bright and herbaceous, mint elevates the whole bowl with its pop of freshness.
Olive oil (1/3 cup): Acts as the luxurious base for the dressing, rounding out the acidity and binding all the flavors together.
Golden balsamic vinegar (1/3 cup): Its gentle sweetness marries perfectly with strawberries, providing mellow tang.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a spark of citrus to perk up every ingredient.
Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle background warmth that highlights all the bright flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Toss Together the Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add your quartered strawberries, chopped cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese cubes, and minced fresh mint. Gently toss them together with clean hands or a large spoon to combine. You’ll immediately see the gorgeous colors come alive and the mint begin to scent everything with summer vibes.

Step 2: Shake Up the Dressing

In a small container with a lid (a mason jar is perfect here), combine the olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake it up like you mean it until the mixture is fully combined and slightly emulsified. This step ensures every drop brings that tangy-sweet flavor to your salad.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the fresh dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Using a gentle touch, toss the salad until everything is lightly coated and mingling nicely—but not so roughly that the berries lose their shape.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve your Strawberry Cucumber Salad right away for peak crunch and freshness, or cover and chill in the fridge for 15-30 minutes if you prefer the flavors to marry a bit more. Either way, prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

For an extra special finish, sprinkle some additional chopped mint or a pinch more feta on top. Try a grinding of fresh black pepper, or even some edible flowers for a showstopper presentation.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Cucumber Salad plays amazingly well alongside grilled chicken, fish, shrimp skewers, or a crusty slice of sourdough. It’s also a lovely counterpoint to spicy dishes or anything rich and creamy, helping cleanse your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in charming glass jars for a picnic, garnish single portions in endive leaves as elegant hors d’oeuvres, or layer it up in a clear trifle dish for a festive barbecue centerpiece. The vibrant colors shine in any serving style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Strawberry Cucumber Salad will keep well for up to 48 hours, though the cucumbers may start to release a little more liquid as time goes on. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well, as the strawberries and cucumbers lose their fresh, crisp texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh and avoid freezing.

Reheating

No reheating is needed—this salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If it has been in the fridge, let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill and wake up all the flavors again.

FAQs

Can I use regular balsamic vinegar instead of golden balsamic?

Absolutely! Regular balsamic vinegar will add a deeper, slightly more robust flavor and a darker hue. Golden balsamic is milder and keeps the salad looking bright, but both versions taste delicious.

What type of cucumbers work best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they have thin skins and minimal seeds, adding a lovely crunch without bitterness. However, use any fresh cucumbers you have on hand.

Does this Strawberry Cucumber Salad work for meal prep?

It can! To keep everything at its crisp best, store the cut fruits, veggies, and cheese separately from the dressing, then toss them together just before serving.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap out the feta for a vegan feta alternative or leave it out altogether. The salad will still burst with flavor and freshness.

Is there a nutty addition that works with this salad?

Chopped pistachios, toasted almonds, or sunflower seeds all add delightful crunch and a savory element that pairs gorgeously with the fruity and tangy flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that always steals the show, this Strawberry Cucumber Salad is your answer. It’s so quick, so vibrant, and so full of flavor, you’ll want to bring it to every gathering—or just enjoy it as a bright pick-me-up any day of the week. Try it once and you might just find your new favorite salad to share with everyone you love!

Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with feta cheese and fresh mint is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

1 1/2 pounds strawberries (quartered)
4 cups cucumbers (chopped)
1 small red onion (chopped)
8 ounces feta cheese (cubed)
1/2 cup fresh mint (minced)

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup golden balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and fresh mint. Mix gently to combine.
Combine the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper in a small container with a lid. Shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl and toss gently to coat everything.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy the salad within 1-2 days for the best flavor.