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Cucumber Strawberry Mint Salad

Featured in Crisp and Refreshing Salads.

Brighten up your table with a blend of crisp cucumber and juicy strawberries, tossed gently with a simple dressing of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Sliced fresh mint weaves in bursts of coolness, while salt and pepper elevate the natural sweetness of the fruit. This colorful combination is vibrant, light, and perfectly balanced, making it ideal alongside grilled dishes or as a refreshing starter. The salad benefits from a short rest, allowing the flavors to meld for a harmonious finish. Fresh, chilled, and easy to prepare, this summery side adds a splash of flavor to any meal.

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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 21 Jun 2025 19:23:57 GMT
A bowl of fresh fruit with strawberries, cucumbers, and mint. Pin it
A bowl of fresh fruit with strawberries, cucumbers, and mint. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This cucumber strawberry salad has become my go-to quick dish when I need something fresh and bright for spring gatherings or quick lunches. The flavors are incredibly lively and it could not be any simpler to get on the table. The pairing of juicy strawberries and crunchy cucumber with a sweet tangy dressing just screams sunshine on the plate.

For me this salad always brings back memories of hosting my first outdoor lunch with friends after a cold winter. Everyone asked for seconds and it is now expected at every warm weather get-together.

Ingredients

  • Cucumber: picks the crispest ones by going for firm and unblemished skins
  • Strawberries: ripe but not mushy with a bright red color
  • Olive oil: grab extra virgin if you like a peppery note
  • Balsamic vinegar: look for one with a syrupy texture for sweetness
  • Honey: local or raw brings out best flavor
  • Salt: helps bring out the fruit flavor
  • Black pepper: fresh cracked takes it up a notch
  • Fresh mint: pick leaves that are deep green for the brightest taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cucumber:
Wash your cucumber under cold running water to make sure any dirt or wax is rinsed away. Slice the cucumber into thin even rounds about one eighth inch thick using a sharp knife. This ensures a crisp clean bite in every forkful.
Slice and Add the Strawberries:
Gently rinse the strawberries and pat dry so they do not water down your salad. Hull the berries by taking off the leafy tops with a small knife. Slice them about one quarter inch thick and add to the bowl with cucumber. Choose the reddest and juiciest berries you can find.
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl combine olive oil balsamic vinegar and honey. Whisk thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the vinaigrette looks shiny. Season this with salt and cracked pepper then whisk again to evenly blend all flavors.
Dress and Toss the Salad:
Pour the entire dressing over your cucumber and strawberry mixture. Use a large spoon or clean hands to gently toss the fruit and vegetables so every slice gets coated but strawberries keep their shape.
Add Fresh Mint:
Wash the mint leaves and dry completely so they do not dilute the flavor. Stack them then cut into thin ribbons by rolling and slicing finely. Sprinkle the mint over your dressed salad for a punch of herbal brightness. Toss once more to evenly distribute.
Adjust and Rest:
Taste your salad and decide if you want a bit more salt pepper or honey. Let the salad rest for about ten minutes so everything melds together before you serve.
A bowl of fruit with strawberries and cucumbers. Pin it
A bowl of fruit with strawberries and cucumbers. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My favorite part is always the fresh mint. Growing up we had mint pots on the porch and my mom would send me to snip a few leaves for this salad. Tossing in that green brings back the smell of those sweet summer mornings every single time.

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. The salad is best enjoyed within a few hours after making because the strawberries will start releasing their juices and soften the cucumber. I suggest keeping the dressing separate if you plan to make it ahead for a gathering to keep everything crisp and fresh.

Ingredient substitutions

You can use English cucumber or Persian cucumber for extra tenderness and fewer seeds. For a vegan version swap the honey for pure maple syrup or agave nectar. If you are out of mint try fresh basil for a different herbal kick.

A bowl of strawberries and cucumbers. Pin it
A bowl of strawberries and cucumbers. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Serving suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. For a light lunch serve it alongside a chunk of crusty bread or nestled over a bed of mixed greens. It also makes a stunning side dish for brunch or a picnic spread.

Cultural context

Combining fruit and cucumber is a classic move in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines where fresh produce rules in hot weather. The fresh mint especially nods to dishes from Lebanon and Greece that use cool herbs and tangy dressing together.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to an hour in advance. Wait to add the mint until just before serving for optimal flavor and appearance.

→ Is it possible to use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan or alternative option.

→ How do I keep the strawberries from getting mushy?

Gently toss the ingredients and avoid overmixing. Slicing just before serving also helps maintain their texture.

→ What other herbs can I use besides mint?

Basil makes a great alternative, providing a fragrant twist that complements both the cucumber and strawberries.

→ Is there a way to make this salad tangier?

Increase the balsamic vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to boost the tangy notes in the dressing.

Cucumber Strawberry Mint Salad

Crisp cucumbers and sweet strawberries meet mint and balsamic for a bright summer salad.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Modern American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 medium salad bowl)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Produce

01 1 large cucumber, washed and sliced into 1/8-inch rounds
02 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into 1/4-inch slices

→ Dressing

03 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
04 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
05 1 teaspoon honey
06 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
07 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Herbs

08 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)

Instructions

Step 01

Wash the cucumber under cold running water. Slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife.

Step 02

Rinse strawberries under cold water and gently pat dry. Remove leafy tops with a paring knife, then cut into 1/4-inch slices.

Step 03

Add the sliced cucumber and strawberries to a large mixing bowl.

Step 04

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until honey is fully dissolved.

Step 05

Add salt and black pepper to the dressing and whisk until evenly blended.

Step 06

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and strawberry mixture. Gently toss until slices are evenly coated.

Step 07

Wash mint leaves and pat dry. Stack and slice into thin ribbons using the chiffonade technique.

Step 08

Add the mint to the bowl and toss gently to distribute evenly through the salad.

Step 09

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey if desired.

Step 10

Allow salad to rest for 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to a few hours for optimal freshness.

Notes

  1. Slice cucumber evenly for uniform texture; use gentle tossing to avoid bruising strawberries.
  2. Replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
  3. Increase balsamic vinegar for a more pronounced tangy note.
  4. Serve chilled to maintain crispness and refreshing flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Paring knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels or clean cloth

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains honey; not suitable for individuals with honey allergies.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 2 g