Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days. Combining sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta, it’s a light yet flavorful option for a side or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers (Persian or mini) for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (can substitute with vegan cheese for dairy-free option)
- 5-10 leaves fresh basil, chopped (adjust based on size)
- 5-10 leaves fresh mint, chopped (adjust based on size)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 a lemon, juice only
- 1/2 tsp honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well to create the dressing. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large serving bowl, add chopped strawberries, cucumbers, crumbled feta, chopped basil, and chopped mint.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use Persian cucumbers for a sweeter, less watery crunch, or English cucumbers as a substitute.
- Substitute feta with vegan cheese to make it dairy-free without compromising creaminess.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and flavor dimension.
- For a tangier salad, increase the amount of lemon juice or vinegar slightly.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The cucumbers may release water over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain crispness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it entirely for a fresh, plant-based version.
How do I prevent the cucumbers from becoming soggy?
Use Persian or mini cucumbers, which have less water content. Also, toss the salad with dressing right before serving rather than in advance to keep the cucumbers crisp.
PrintStrawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta and Fresh Herbs Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Cucumber Salad combining sweet strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs, tossed with a tangy olive oil and lemon dressing, finished with creamy feta cheese for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 2 cups chopped cucumbers (Persian or mini for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (can substitute with vegan cheese for dairy-free option)
- 5–10 leaves fresh basil, chopped (adjust based on size)
- 5–10 leaves fresh mint, chopped (adjust based on size)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juice only
- 1/2 tsp honey (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Chop the strawberries and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Chop fresh basil and mint leaves finely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well emulsified. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the chopped strawberries, cucumbers, basil, mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assembly: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the dressing. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve immediately for best freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use Persian or mini cucumbers for an extra crunchy texture.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute feta cheese with vegan cheese.
- Adjust honey amount according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Consume immediately after tossing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
- This salad is best served chilled; you can refrigerate ingredients before assembling.
Keywords: Strawberry cucumber salad, summer salad, fresh herb salad, feta cheese salad, easy no-cook salad, healthy side dish
