20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bright, refreshing, and as pretty as it is delicious, the 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad will be your new go-to favorite. Imagine juicy strawberries mingling with crisp cucumbers, tossed in a punchy lemon dressing with fragrant herbs and just the right amount of creamy feta to tie it all together. This salad comes together lightning-quick, making it perfect for last-minute lunches, breezy picnics, or effortlessly elegant dinners on the patio. It’s fresh, flavorful, and absolutely brimming with summer vibes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity: just a handful of fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the medley, whether it’s sweetness, crunch, saltiness, or herbaceous freshness. Let’s break down what you’ll need and how each item stars in the 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad.

• Strawberries: Their natural sweetness is the perfect contrast to the salty cheese and tangy dressing.
• Cucumbers (preferably Persian or mini): These stay super crisp and refreshing, adding satisfying crunch and a cool note.
• Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and tangy, feta brings richness and depth; go for a block of sheep’s feta stored in brine for extra flavor.
• Fresh basil: Chopped basil delivers a sweet, peppery aroma that perfumes the whole salad.
• Fresh mint: Adds a pop of cooling, herbal brightness that pairs so well with both berries and cucumbers.
• Salt + pepper: Enhances all the flavors, allowing both the sweet and savory elements to shine.
• Olive oil: A good, fruity olive oil forms the silky base of the lemon dressing.
• Lemon juice: Brings tang and just enough acidity to balance the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Honey: Adds a touch of mellow sweetness for a well-rounded dressing; swap for maple syrup if you’d like a vegan version.
• White wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Offers a gentle tartness that really wakes up the other flavors.
• Garlic powder: Just a pinch gives the dressing a savory backbone without overpowering the other ingredients.

How to Make 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Lemon Dressing

Start off by grabbing a small bowl or a mason jar. Add in the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a good hit of salt and pepper. Give it a vigorous whisk or a few enthusiastic shakes if you’re using a jar. You’ll know it’s ready when the dressing looks creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Produce

Wash and dry your strawberries and cucumbers thoroughly. Chop the strawberries into bite-sized pieces and slice the cucumbers into half-moons (or quarters, if your cucumbers are thick). The goal is to get everything to a similar size for easy mixing and perfect forkfuls. Chop the basil and mint just before combining so they stay nice and green.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab your largest serving bowl and tumble in the strawberries, cucumbers, feta cheese crumbles, chopped basil, and chopped mint. Pour your freshly whisked lemon dressing right over the top. Give everything a gentle toss—just enough to coat the fruit and veggies with dressing, without breaking them down. Season with a pinch more salt or pepper if you like.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the salad and see if anything needs tweaking. Maybe an extra squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt, or another crumble of feta? Adjust as your taste buds guide you. Serve this gorgeous 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad immediately for the brightest flavors and crunchiest texture.

How to Serve 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Take this salad over the top by finishing with a handful of extra crumbled feta, a flurry of finely sliced basil and mint, or even a light zesting of lemon. These little touches add color, aroma, and plenty of flair right before you bring the bowl to the table.

Side Dishes

The 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad is a fantastic partner for simply grilled chicken, juicy steaks, flaky fish like salmon or white fish, or even a plate of grilled shrimp. For a vegetarian spread, serve alongside grilled halloumi, hearty grain salads, or a classic quiche—honestly, it shines with almost anything!

Creative Ways to Present

Dreaming up creative presentations is half the fun! Try piling this salad atop a bed of mixed greens for extra volume, or serving it in lettuce cups for a hand-held, picnic-friendly treat. Layering the ingredients in pretty glass jars makes a stunning make-ahead option for packed lunches or outdoor gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. The 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad is undoubtedly best when fresh, but it will keep for up to a day. Expect the cucumbers and strawberries to soften, absorbing some of the dressing for a different, but still scrumptious, bite the next day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as both strawberries and cucumbers tend to lose their appealing texture and become mushy once thawed. For the freshest flavors and crunch, always enjoy this salad within a day or so of making.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat the 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad—this dish is all about that crisp, cool, and refreshing bite! If the salad has been in the fridge, just give it a stir and maybe an extra drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of herbs to freshen things up before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can chop the cucumbers and strawberries, crumble the feta, and whisk the dressing a day in advance. Just keep everything separate in the fridge, and toss together with the herbs and dressing shortly before serving for maximum vibrancy and crunch.

What’s the best type of feta to use?

Choose a high-quality block of sheep’s milk feta stored in brine for the most authentic, tangy flavor. Pre-crumbled feta will work in a pinch, but you’ll notice a big difference in creaminess and taste with the real deal.

Can I make this 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad vegan?

Definitely! Simply swap out the feta for your favorite plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. Everything else can stay exactly the same, and you’ll have a totally vegan-friendly dish.

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Yes! While Persian or mini cucumbers give the crispiest bite and minimal seeds, English cucumbers make a great substitute. Just make sure to slice them thinly and perhaps scoop out any large seeds if they seem too watery.

What proteins go well with this salad?

This salad is fabulous with a vast range of proteins—try grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, scallops, steak, or even a scoop of chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian boost. Its bright, bold flavors work wonders alongside all kinds of mains.

Final Thoughts

There’s something totally irresistible about a bowl of the 20-Minute Strawberry Cucumber Salad—the combo of sweet, juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta just bursts with joy in every bite. I hope you’ll give this salad a try soon, whether it’s for a quick lunch, a sunny picnic, or as the star at your next dinner party. Enjoy every colorful, refreshing mouthful!

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