This delightful Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a true crowd-pleaser, made with only four simple ingredients but bursting with vibrant flavors. If you’re a beginner cook or someone looking for a fast and healthy dish, this salad is perfect for you. The combination of juicy strawberries and refreshing cucumbers is complemented by a sweet-tangy dressing, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or need a quick dish for your next potluck, this salad is sure to stand out.
PrintStrawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
Looking for a salad that’s both sweet and savory? This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing has you covered! The juiciness of ripe strawberries combined with the crispness of cucumber is complemented by a tangy-sweet honey balsamic dressing. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. It’s the ideal side dish to serve at BBQs, picnics, or as a healthy lunch option. Quick to prepare and absolutely delicious!
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- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pints of strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 2 large cucumbers, roughly peeled and sliced thin
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Produce
Wash the strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, stem the strawberries and slice them into rounds. The thickness of the slices is up to you, but thinner slices will blend better with the cucumbers, while thicker slices make a bold visual statement. - Peel and Slice the Cucumbers
Take the cucumbers and peel them roughly. This technique, leaving some skin on, gives a rustic feel to the salad. Slice the cucumbers thinly, either with a knife or a mandolin if you have one for precision. Thin slices allow the cucumbers to absorb the dressing better, adding more flavor to each bite. - Layer the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, arrange the strawberry and cucumber slices in a fan shape, alternating one after the other. The aesthetic of the salad can be just as important as the taste, so feel free to be creative with your arrangement. A tip is to ensure that the red tips of the strawberry slices are exposed, creating a more visually appealing look. - Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and honey until the honey is fully dissolved. This sweet and tangy dressing will perfectly balance the freshness of the strawberries and cucumbers. - Dress and Serve
Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing evenly over the layered strawberries and cucumbers. Serve immediately after dressing for the freshest taste. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Notes
- Slicing Tips
If you’re not familiar with using a mandolin, be extra careful while slicing the cucumbers to avoid cutting yourself. A knife works just fine if you prefer a more controlled approach. If you want to avoid slicing the strawberries too thin, you can cut them into wedges instead, giving a different texture to the salad. - How to Tell if Chicken Is Cooked
Although this recipe doesn’t require cooking, it’s still essential to keep the right balance of textures. For a similar variation, consider adding grilled chicken to this salad. To check if your chicken is cooked, ensure that the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). - Dressing Tips
The dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain the freshness of the salad ingredients and ensures that the dressing won’t break down prematurely. If you’re making this salad for a gathering, you can prepare the salad components in advance and assemble it just before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Beginners
This recipe is an excellent choice for beginners due to its simplicity and speed. With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, it’s easy to prepare, and the outcome is impressive. There’s no cooking involved, making it a perfect no-fuss dish that saves time while still delivering big flavors. The health benefits of this salad are also a bonus—fresh cucumbers and strawberries are packed with vitamins, and the honey balsamic dressing adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the natural flavors of the produce.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before you start preparing, gather these ingredients:
- 2 pints of strawberries, stemmed and sliced
- 2 large cucumbers, roughly peeled and sliced thin
- 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup honey
This simple list of ingredients offers great flexibility, and you can even substitute the white balsamic vinegar with regular balsamic vinegar if you prefer a more robust flavor. You could also adjust the honey to suit your sweetness preference or swap it with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Produce
Wash the strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Once clean, stem the strawberries and slice them into rounds. The thickness of the slices is up to you, but thinner slices will blend better with the cucumbers, while thicker slices make a bold visual statement. - Peel and Slice the Cucumbers
Take the cucumbers and peel them roughly. This technique, leaving some skin on, gives a rustic feel to the salad. Slice the cucumbers thinly, either with a knife or a mandolin if you have one for precision. Thin slices allow the cucumbers to absorb the dressing better, adding more flavor to each bite. - Layer the Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, arrange the strawberry and cucumber slices in a fan shape, alternating one after the other. The aesthetic of the salad can be just as important as the taste, so feel free to be creative with your arrangement. A tip is to ensure that the red tips of the strawberry slices are exposed, creating a more visually appealing look. - Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and honey until the honey is fully dissolved. This sweet and tangy dressing will perfectly balance the freshness of the strawberries and cucumbers. - Dress and Serve
Drizzle the honey balsamic dressing evenly over the layered strawberries and cucumbers. Serve immediately after dressing for the freshest taste. If you’re preparing the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- Slicing Tips
If you’re not familiar with using a mandolin, be extra careful while slicing the cucumbers to avoid cutting yourself. A knife works just fine if you prefer a more controlled approach. If you want to avoid slicing the strawberries too thin, you can cut them into wedges instead, giving a different texture to the salad. - How to Tell if Chicken Is Cooked
Although this recipe doesn’t require cooking, it’s still essential to keep the right balance of textures. For a similar variation, consider adding grilled chicken to this salad. To check if your chicken is cooked, ensure that the juices run clear, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). - Dressing Tips
The dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week. This helps maintain the freshness of the salad ingredients and ensures that the dressing won’t break down prematurely. If you’re making this salad for a gathering, you can prepare the salad components in advance and assemble it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or beef, making it a great option for a summer BBQ. The freshness of the salad complements savory dishes like grilled chicken skewers, roasted beef, or even a light chicken breast. If you’re looking to make it a more filling meal, consider adding some feta cheese or goat cheese for creaminess or sprinkle on some chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
You can also serve it alongside a creamy yogurt-based dip or a simple vinaigrette to enhance the salad’s flavors further. For an even lighter version, pair it with a refreshing lemon sorbet for dessert, balancing the sweet and tangy notes of the salad.
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep in mind that the salad will release liquid from the strawberries and cucumbers after being dressed, so it’s best to pour any extra liquid over other salads or dishes for added flavor. If you want to enjoy it again the next day, keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two of preparation to maintain its crispness and fresh flavors.
Engagement Features
This simple yet stunning salad is perfect for beginner cooks looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a healthy side dish. The flavors are fresh, the prep time is minimal, and the result is nothing short of gorgeous. Have you tried making this salad yet? Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know how you customized it to suit your tastes!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing a quick meal for yourself or bringing a dish to a potluck, this Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is sure to be a hit. Its bright, refreshing flavors and easy prep make it a go-to recipe for busy days or special occasions. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or variations, but remember—the simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this salad so remarkable. Enjoy the process and celebrate the joy of fresh ingredients!