Ingredients
Method
- Begin by thoroughly washing your fresh strawberries. Carefully remove the green hulls and then quarter them. If your strawberries are particularly large, you might want to slice them in half after quartering for a more bite-sized piece. Next, wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, or peel them if you prefer a smoother finish. If you're using English cucumbers, you can often skip the peeling altogether.1 pound fresh strawberries, 2 large cucumbers
- If you enjoy a little zing, now is the time to prepare the red onion. Slice it very thinly; you can even use a mandoline for uniform, delicate slices. For a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding it to the salad. This step is entirely optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor for those who love it.1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- Gently wash and pat dry your fresh mint and basil. Finely chop the herbs. The vibrant aroma of fresh mint and basil will infuse the salad with a summery essence. Add the chopped mint and basil to the bowl with the prepared strawberries and cucumbers.1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 pound fresh strawberries, 2 large cucumbers
- In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until the dressing is well emulsified and the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding a little more honey or vinegar.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a large salad bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, cucumbers, and optional red onion. If you're using feta cheese, sprinkle the crumbled feta over the ingredients at this stage. Pour the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can bruise the strawberries.1 pound fresh strawberries, 2 large cucumbers, 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- For the best flavor and texture, serve your Cucumber Strawberry Salad immediately after tossing. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully without becoming soggy.
Notes
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For optimal freshness, store dressing separately.
