Imagine a salad so refreshing, so unexpectedly delicious, that it transforms your entire perception of what a side dish can be. This Strawberry and Cucumber Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that bridges the gap between sweet, tangy, and crisp in one spectacular dish. Perfect for those scorching summer days or when you're craving something light yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe will become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that looks like it was crafted by a professional chef but can be made in just 10 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the strawberries and cucumber thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, hull the strawberries and slice them into thin, even pieces, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Peel the cucumber (optional) and slice it into thin, half-moon shapes, maintaining a consistent thickness similar to the strawberries.
- Peel the red onion and slice it into very thin, translucent rings or half-rings to ensure a delicate flavor distribution.
- Gently rinse the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop the mint leaves finely to release their aromatic oils.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until they are well combined and form a smooth dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
- Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the fruit and vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle the balsamic-honey dressing over the salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently toss the salad to mix all ingredients, being careful not to bruise the strawberries.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose the freshest ingredients: Select ripe, vibrant strawberries and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
- Slice with precision: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices that ensure every bite is balanced and visually appealing.
- Let it marinate: Allowing the salad to rest for 5 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together and intensifies the overall taste.
- Chill for extra refreshment: While the salad can be served at room temperature, chilling it for 15-20 minutes can make it even more refreshing.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Dressing hack: Whisk the balsamic and honey thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Mint matters: Use fresh mint leaves for the most vibrant and aromatic result - dried mint simply won't compare!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
