When summer hits its stride, and strawberries are at their juiciest, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a cucumber strawberry salad. It’s crisp, sweet, and so light it practically floats off the plate. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, prepping a picnic basket, or just want something a little fancier than your average side, this salad is the effortless showstopper you’ve been craving.
This salad is a dreamy balance of flavors—cool cucumber slices, sweet strawberries, zippy lime, and a whisper of mint that dances on your tongue. It’s the kind of summer fruit salad that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just sitting on your porch with a plastic fork.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Strawberry Salad
For starters, it’s ridiculously simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you’ve got a dish that’s light, elegant, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s gluten-free, naturally sweetened with honey, and pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or a sparkling glass of rosé.
Plus, the combo of cucumber and strawberry is more than just pretty—it’s seriously delicious. This strawberry cucumber recipe is fresh, hydrating, and full of color and crunch. Perfect for potlucks, brunches, or just a little midweek magic.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 ½ cups strawberries, chilled, hulled, and sliced into 3–4 pieces
- 2 cups cucumber, chilled, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp high-quality olive oil
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ½ tsp fresh mint, finely chopped + more for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine honey, olive oil, lime juice, and chopped mint. Stir or shake until well mixed.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumbers and strawberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently until the fruit is lightly coated.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Garnish with extra fresh mint. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Freshest Light Salad with Mint
- Chill your cucumbers and strawberries before slicing for the crispest texture.
- Don’t overdress—just enough to enhance, not overpower.
- For extra zing, add a tiny splash of balsamic glaze or a pinch of chili flakes.
- This salad doesn’t hold up well overnight, so mix it just before serving.
From My Backyard to Yours
This salad came to life during one of those sweltering days where turning on the stove felt like inviting a dragon into the kitchen. I had strawberries from the farmer’s market, a cucumber from my backyard garden, and mint growing wild on the windowsill. Ten minutes later? I had a bowl of edible sunshine.
Since then, it’s become a summer staple at our house—my go-to when I want something fast, fresh, and fancy-feeling. Even my kids, who usually look suspiciously at anything green, love it (though they pick out the mint—baby steps!).
What to Serve with Your Summer Fruit Salad
This salad is beautifully versatile. Serve it as a refreshing starter, a light lunch, or a gorgeous side dish. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Grilled salmon or lemon herb chicken
- Quinoa or couscous salad
- Fresh baguette with whipped feta or goat cheese
- Sparkling lemonade or a fruity white sangria
It’s also lovely atop arugula or mixed greens if you want to make it more of a full-on salad bowl. Add some almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch!
How to Store Leftovers
Truth be told, this light salad with mint is best eaten fresh. But if you do have leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Refresh with a squeeze of lime and sprinkle of fresh mint before serving again.
FAQs: Quick Notes on This Strawberry Cucumber Recipe
Can I make it ahead of time?
Sort of! Prep the fruit and dressing separately, then toss together just before serving.
What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal—they’re tender and have fewer seeds.
Can I swap the honey?
Sure! Agave syrup or maple syrup work well for a vegan twist.
Fresh, Fun, and Fabulous: Cucumber Strawberry Salad Forever
There’s something joyful about a salad that looks like it belongs in a magazine spread but takes less than 10 minutes to make. This cucumber strawberry salad is just that kind of dish—vibrant, flavorful, and wonderfully unfussy.
So whether you’re planning a picnic, a garden party, or just need a sweet-savory bite to brighten your afternoon, this salad’s your go-to. Grab a bowl, make it pretty, and don’t forget the extra mint!
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Cucumber Strawberry Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2–4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cucumber Strawberry Salad is the ultimate summer refresher—a light, vibrant dish combining crisp cucumber slices, juicy strawberries, and a zesty honey-lime-mint dressing. Perfect for BBQs, brunches, or quick lunches, this naturally gluten-free salad is elegant, effortless, and bursting with sweet-savory flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
1 ½ cups strawberries, chilled, hulled, and sliced
-
2 cups cucumber, chilled, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
-
1 ½ tbsp honey
-
1 tbsp high-quality olive oil
-
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
-
1 ½ tsp fresh mint, finely chopped (+ more for garnish)
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together honey, olive oil, lime juice, and chopped mint.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and strawberries.
-
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
-
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Garnish with extra mint and serve immediately.
Notes
Chill produce before slicing for extra crispness.
Add a splash of balsamic glaze or chili flakes for variation.
Prepare dressing and fruit separately if making ahead.
Best served fresh—avoid storing overnight if possible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Entrées
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American