Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Strawberry Salad combining crisp cucumber slices with sweet strawberries, dressed in a light balsamic-honey vinaigrette and garnished with fresh mint. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 cucumber
- 2 cups strawberries
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash Cucumber: Start by washing the cucumber thoroughly under cold running water.
- Slice Cucumber: Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
- Prepare Bowl: Place the sliced cucumber into a large mixing bowl.
- Clean Strawberries: Rinse the strawberries under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Dry Strawberries: Pat the strawberries dry gently with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Hull Strawberries: Remove the green leafy tops from the strawberries using a paring knife.
- Slice Strawberries: Slice the strawberries into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick, and add them to the bowl with the cucumber slices.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
- Whisk Dressing: Whisk the ingredients until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is uniform.
- Add Seasoning to Dressing: Sprinkle salt and black pepper into the dressing bowl.
- Whisk Again: Whisk to evenly distribute seasoning in the dressing.
- Dress Salad: Pour the dressing mixture over the cucumber and strawberry slices in the mixing bowl.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss the cucumber and strawberries with the dressing to coat each slice thoroughly.
- Wash Mint: Rinse fresh mint leaves under cold water.
- Dry Mint: Pat the mint leaves dry with a paper towel or clean cloth.
- Chiffonade Mint: Stack and slice the mint leaves into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
- Add Mint: Add the sliced mint to the bowl with the cucumber and strawberry salad.
- Final Toss: Toss everything together once more to evenly distribute the mint throughout the salad.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or honey if desired.
- Let it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or refrigerate and consume within a few hours for best texture.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, ripe strawberries and crisp cucumbers.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste.
- Serve chilled for a more refreshing salad.
- This salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of preparation to maintain texture.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
