🥒🍓 Strawberry Cucumber Salad
🍽️ Servings: 6
🕒 Prep Time: 15 mins | No Cooking Required
❄️ Best Served: Cold or Chilled
📝 Ingredients
- 1½ pounds strawberries, quartered
- 4 cups cucumbers, chopped (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- ½ cup fresh mint, minced
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup golden balsamic vinegar (or regular white balsamic)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp black pepper
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Wash and quarter the strawberries.
- Peel and chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the red onion and mince the mint leaves.
- Cube or crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, mint, and feta.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Best served immediately or chilled for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with extra mint or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
🧂 Notes & Tips
- Vinegar Swap: Golden balsamic has a milder, sweeter flavor. You can use regular white balsamic or even apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based feta or skip the cheese.
- Make ahead: Prep the components in advance, but toss together just before serving for freshest taste.
- Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Estimated values for 6 servings
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 5g
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: ~250mg
✅ Health Benefits
- Strawberries: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cucumbers: Hydrating, low-calorie, and support skin health.
- Mint: Refreshing and aids digestion.
- Feta: Adds calcium and protein while keeping the dish light.
- Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in monounsaturated oils and vitamin E.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Fresh is best for texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch—drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prep all ingredients and keep them separate. Toss everything with dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Q: What’s a good substitute for mint?
A: Fresh basil works beautifully—adds a different but equally delicious flavor.
Q: What’s golden balsamic vinegar?
A: It’s a sweeter, milder version of regular balsamic—perfect for light dishes and salads. If unavailable, use white balsamic or even rice vinegar.
Would you like a citrusy variation with oranges or a spicier version with jalapeños added?