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