The Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe is a refreshing celebration of vibrant flavors and crisp textures that blend together in perfect harmony. This simple yet sophisticated salad dazzles with the sweetness of juicy strawberries, the cool crunch of cucumber, and the aromatic lift from fresh basil and mint. Perfect for warm days or as a bright side dish to your favorite meal, this salad is an absolute must-try that brings a burst of summer to every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays an essential role—from the sweetness of the strawberries to the herbal brightness of basil and mint—creating a balanced and colorful dish that excites your palate and pleases the eyes.
- 1 pint strawberries: Hulled and thinly sliced for juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 English cucumber: Halved and thinly sliced to add a cool, crisp texture.
- ½ small red onion: Thinly sliced to provide a mild, tangy bite that complements the sweetness.
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil: Adds aromatic herbal notes that brighten the salad.
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint: Offers a refreshing coolness that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps meld all the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth and subtle sweetness to the dressing.
- 2 teaspoons honey (or agave): Sweetens the dressing naturally without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors for a perfect balance.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and kosher salt in a mixing bowl. This creates a luscious, tangy dressing that will coat every ingredient with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Red Onion
Add the thinly sliced red onion to the dressing and toss to coat. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the dressing gently mellows the onion’s sharpness and brings out its subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Now, fold in the strawberries, cucumber, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh mint into the bowl. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each bite is bursting with vibrant color and flavor without bruising the delicate fruit or herbs.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
For the freshest taste and crispest texture, serve the salad right away. This ensures that the strawberries remain juicy and the cucumbers stay wonderfully crunchy.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe
Garnishes
Consider garnishing your salad with a sprinkle of toasted nuts like sliced almonds or crushed pistachios for added crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a zest of lemon can also elevate the dish with a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This strawberry cucumber salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a cheese board. Its fresh and slightly sweet profile is the perfect foil for savory mains or hearty sandwiches on a warm day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in individual glass cups, layering the ingredients for a colorful effect. Alternatively, spoon it onto a bed of mixed greens or arugula for an extra layer of freshness and texture. You can also skewer strawberries and cucumber slices with a leaf of basil and mint for a fun, bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and freshness of the herbs.
Freezing
This salad is not suited for freezing because the high water content in cucumbers and strawberries will cause the texture to become mushy and unappealing once thawed.
Reheating
This is a chilled salad meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Serving it fresh will preserve the vibrant flavor and crunchy texture that make it so special.
FAQs
Can I substitute the fresh basil and mint with dried herbs?
It’s best to use fresh basil and mint in this recipe because dried herbs won’t provide the same bright, fresh flavor that complements the strawberries and cucumber so well.
What can I do if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If balsamic vinegar isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with red wine vinegar mixed with a touch more honey, but the subtle sweetness and complexity of balsamic really elevate this salad.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe is naturally vegan if you replace honey with agave syrup or another plant-based sweetener.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
Absolutely! A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a lovely creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy elements of the salad.
How do I keep the salad from becoming watery?
To avoid excess water, slice the cucumber thin and drain any seeds if they are particularly watery. Tossing the salad gently and serving it promptly also helps maintain its crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe. It’s a simple dish that feels elegant and tastes like a burst of sunshine on your plate. Whether you’re throwing a casual lunch or a festive gathering, this salad will brighten the table and become a favorite everyone asks for again and again. Give it a try and watch how easily it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation!
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Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Basil and Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Cucumber Salad featuring fresh strawberries, crisp cucumber, and fragrant herbs, tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this no-cook salad combines sweet, tart, and herbaceous flavors for a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pint strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
- 1 English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey (or agave)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and kosher salt until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Toss the onion in dressing: Add the thinly sliced red onion into the dressing and toss to coat it evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to mellow out the onion’s sharpness and reduce its bitterness.
- Combine the salad ingredients: Add the sliced strawberries, cucumber, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh mint to the bowl with the dressed onions. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Serve fresh: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and texture, allowing the vibrant flavors of the strawberries, cucumber, and herbs to shine.
Notes
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with agave syrup.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor balance.
- Chilling the salad briefly before serving can enhance its refreshing qualities.
- Adjust honey or vinegar levels to your preferred sweetness or acidity.
- This salad is best eaten fresh and does not store well as strawberries may release water over time.
