Description
This Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad combines crisp cucumber, juicy strawberries, and tangy feta cheese with fresh basil and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer feasts, this salad offers a vibrant blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 head Lettuce (Mixed greens can add more flavors.)
- 1 medium Cucumber (Consider zucchini for a unique twist.)
- 1 cup Strawberries (Always choose seasonal or homegrown.)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Try goat cheese or blue cheese for different notes.)
- 1/4 medium Red Onion (Scallions can be used for a milder flavor.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Mint is a lovely alternative.)
Dressing
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (You can swap with regular salt but reduce amount.)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Feel free to omit for a milder dressing.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Replace with maple syrup for a vegan option.)
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar or Lemon Juice (White wine vinegar works well too.)
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Avocado oil is another healthy substitute.)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and fruit: Start by slicing the cucumber and red onion thinly. Halve or quarter the strawberries based on their size to ensure easy eating and balanced bites.
- Make the dressing: In a jar, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, and kosher salt. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: On a large platter, lay down the lettuce as a base. Layer the sliced cucumbers, strawberries, and red onion evenly over the lettuce. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese on top for added aroma and flavor.
- Dress and serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently if desired to combine the flavors and serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with plant-based cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
- Use mixed greens instead of only lettuce to add more flavor complexity.
- To prevent the salad from becoming soggy, add the dressing just before serving.
- Try goat cheese or blue cheese as alternatives to feta for varied taste profiles.
- Scallions can replace red onion for a milder flavor.
