If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you have to try this Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe. This salad is like a little summer party in your mouth, combining juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and the delightful saltiness of feta cheese. Every bite is refreshing and light, making it an ideal choice for warm days or whenever you want a healthy and satisfying side that feels anything but ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a taste and texture combination that’s both exciting and harmonious. From the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries to the fresh burst of herbs, every element is essential.
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced: The star fruit of the salad, delivering juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced: Adds a crisp, cool crunch that refreshes the palate.
- 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced: Provides a subtle sharpness and a pop of purple hue.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, salty contrast that makes this salad stand out.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint: A fragrant herb that brightens the entire dish with its cool aroma.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional): Adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor for extra freshness.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Binds the dressing and adds a luscious richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Injects zesty acidity that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Offers a slightly sweet tang enhancing the strawberries’ flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally without overpowering it.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste: Elevates all the flavors in the salad.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
How to Make Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by washing and preparing your fruits and vegetables. Slice the strawberries and cucumber thinly to ensure every forkful gets the perfect combination of sweet and crisp. Thinly slice the red onion; this delicate touch prevents its sharpness from overwhelming the salad while adding a hint of bite and vibrant color.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing is the magic that ties together all the fresh flavors with a touch of sweetness, acidity, and seasoning.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the dressing over this fresh mixture and toss lightly to coat every piece evenly. It’s important to be gentle here to keep the strawberries intact and preserve their juicy texture.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese along with the chopped mint and basil over the salad. Toss lightly once more to distribute the herbs and cheese without breaking down the tender ingredients. These final touches elevate the salad, adding layers of flavor and freshness.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Allow your salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This short wait lets the flavors meld beautifully, so when you dig in, each bite feels perfectly balanced. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature—both options are delicious.
How to Serve Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your salad to the next level, consider garnishing with a handful of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios. These add an irresistible crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the soft strawberries and creamy feta. A final sprinkle of extra fresh mint leaves also adds a burst of color and freshness right on top.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with light grilled proteins like lemon herb chicken or delicate fish such as salmon or sea bass. It also makes an amazing companion to Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel or grilled vegetables. The fresh and fruity nature of the salad provides a lovely counterpoint to smoky or savory sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on a large platter garnished with whole mint sprigs and basil leaves. You can also layer it in a mason jar to take to picnics or potlucks. Adding edible flowers as decoration can make this refreshing salad look like a masterpiece worthy of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the feta fresh and prevent sogginess, it’s best to reserve the cheese and fresh herbs and add them just before serving again. The salad should stay fresh for up to two days.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh strawberries and cucumbers, freezing is not recommended. Freezing will ruin the texture and freshness, turning crisp cucumbers and juicy strawberries into mushy components that lose their charm.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Heating it would diminish the bright flavors and delicate textures that make this Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin, which provides a more tender texture and less bitterness. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and deseeding them for the best results.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is a dairy product, so it is not vegan. However, you can substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely while still enjoying the refreshing flavors.
What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, try using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives. They will provide acidity but slightly different flavor notes, so adjust the honey to balance the taste accordingly.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios is a wonderful way to introduce a crunchy texture that complements the soft fruits and creamy cheese beautifully.
How long does this salad last once dressed?
Once dressed, the salad is best consumed within a couple of hours for optimal freshness. However, if stored properly in the fridge and the feta is added just before serving, it can last up to two days without a loss of quality.
Final Thoughts
This Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe is a true delight to make and eat. It’s perfect for adding a splash of summer brightness to your meals or stunning your guests at your next gathering. The combination of juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta is simply irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Bliss is a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs. Tossed in a zesty lemon-balsamic dressing with a hint of honey, this salad is perfect as a light side or a refreshing snack, ideal for warm weather or anytime you crave a nutritious burst of flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the main ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced cucumber, and very thinly sliced red onion, creating the fresh base of the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and flavorful.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the combined fruit and vegetables, then gently toss everything together to coat each piece thoroughly without bruising the strawberries.
- Add herbs and cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese along with the chopped fresh mint and optional basil over the top of the salad, then toss lightly one more time to distribute these final flavors delicately throughout.
- Let the flavors meld: Allow the salad to sit for 10 minutes before serving, giving the ingredients time to blend and intensify in taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For extra crunch and texture, add a handful of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios just before serving.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the crumbled feta cheese separate and add it right before serving to maintain its freshness.
- You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice to introduce a slightly different citrus note.
