Some dishes just feel like summer crisp, cool, and bursting with brightness. This Cucumber Strawberry Salad is exactly that. It’s the kind of bowl I keep coming back to when the days are long, the fridge is full of fresh produce, and I want something that tastes indulgent but keeps things light.
Made with juicy strawberries, crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and fresh mint, it’s not just pretty to look at it’s insanely refreshing and surprisingly satisfying.
This salad first came to life in my kitchen during a weekend cleanout I had a surplus of cucumbers and berries, and a single block of feta begging to be used. A quick drizzle of golden balsamic, a splash of lemon, and boom magic in a bowl.
It’s now a summer staple. Want to turn this into a full meal? Try it with my Caribbean Chicken and Rice for a tropical vibe or pair it with Keto Lemon Chicken for a low-carb dinner that still feels bright and vibrant.
Now trending in wellness circles and foodie spaces alike, this salad is having a serious moment thanks to its balance of sweet, savory, and tangy all while supporting a lighter eating approach.
Tried it? I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
Why This Cucumber Strawberry Salad Is Always My Favorite?
- A Backyard Hit That Stole the Show: The first time I made this was on a whim before a small backyard gathering. I set it out while waiting for the grill to heat, and no joke the bowl was empty before the first burger hit the flame.
- Light, Flavorful & Post-Workout Friendly: After a walk or a quick yoga session, this salad is my go-to. It’s refreshing, easy on the stomach, and hits that sweet-savory spot without weighing me down.
- Adaptable for Any Mood or Meal: I’ve tried it with creamy goat cheese, added grilled chicken for protein, and even tucked spoonfuls into lettuce cups. It’s one of those recipes that works with whatever’s in the fridge.
- Healthy… But Feels Like a Treat: This isn’t your typical “diet salad.” The crunch, the creaminess, and that zing from the balsamic make it feel like you’re treating yourself even when you’re eating clean.
- Keeps Me Satisfied All Afternoon: Thanks to its hydrating ingredients and balanced flavors, I’ve noticed I snack way less after eating this. It genuinely helps me stay full and aligned with my weight-loss goals.
Cucumber Strawberry Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Salad serving spoon
- Small whisk (for dressing, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds strawberries quartered
- 4 cups cucumbers chopped
- 1 small red onion chopped
- 8 ounces feta cheese cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh mint minced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup golden balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash and quarter 1½ lbs of strawberries.
- Chop 4 cups of cucumber and 1 small red onion.
- Cube 8 oz of feta cheese and finely mince ½ cup of fresh mint.
- In a large bowl, combine strawberries, cucumbers, onion, feta, and mint.
- In a small bowl, whisk ⅓ cup olive oil, ⅓ cup golden balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with extra mint or feta, if desired, and serve fresh.
Nutrition
Secret Tips From My Kitchen!
1. Go for English cucumbers if you can:
They’re less watery and have thinner skins, so you won’t need to peel or de-seed them which means better texture and more crunch in every bite.
2. Let the salad sit (but not too long):
Give it 10–15 minutes in the fridge after tossing just enough for the flavors to come together. Any longer and the strawberries may start softening too much.
3. Cube your feta, don’t crumble it:
Crumbled feta can melt into the dressing and disappear. Cubed feta gives salty bites that hold their shape and it looks beautiful, too.
4. Don’t skip the golden balsamic:
It has a milder, slightly sweet tang that really ties everything together. White balsamic is a good substitute, but avoid regular dark balsamic it overpowers the fruit.
5. Mince the mint at the last minute:
Mint oxidizes fast, so chop it just before mixing to keep the flavor fresh and the color vibrant.
6. Want a little crunch? Add toasted almonds:
It’s not traditional, but a small handful of slivered almonds adds an amazing texture contrast without stealing the spotlight.
Quick Questions?
Q. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Ans: You can prep the ingredients in advance, but toss everything together just before serving so the strawberries stay fresh and cucumbers stay crisp.
Q. What can I use instead of golden balsamic vinegar?
Ans: White balsamic is the next best option. Apple cider vinegar works too, but add a tiny bit of honey to balance the tang.
Q. Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Ans: Yes! Just skip the feta or use a vegan feta alternative. The flavors still shine beautifully without the cheese.
Q. How do I store leftovers?
Ans: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad will soften, but it’s still tasty the next day just not as crunchy.
Q. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Ans: Fresh is best for texture, but in a pinch, you can use thawed strawberries just drain them well and expect a softer salad.
Q. Does this salad work for weight loss?
Ans: Absolutely! It’s low in calories, high in fiber and hydration, and naturally sweet a great choice for light, satisfying meals or snacking.
