Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
This Cucumber and Strawberry Salad is a fresh, light summer salad featuring crisp English cucumber, peak-season strawberries, and fresh mint and basil, all tossed in a simple lime and agave dressing. Vegan, Whole30-friendly, and ready in 10 minutes.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
When strawberries are at their peak, the best thing you can do is keep things simple and let them shine. This Cucumber and Strawberry Salad does exactly that by bringing together just a handful of fresh ingredients tossed in a bright lime and agave dressing. Ready in 10 minutes, this is the kind of last-minute side dish that looks and tastes like you put in a lot more effort than you did.
Crisp English cucumber balances the sweetness of the strawberries, while fresh basil and mint add an herby brightness that ties everything together. A drizzle of olive oil and fresh lime juice keeps the dressing light and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry cucumber salad earns a spot in your regular summer rotation for a few good reasons. There’s no cooking involved, the prep is minimal, and it comes together faster than almost anything else you could serve alongside grilled fish, burgers, or as part of a summer cookout spread.
It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free, with no cheese added. That being said, a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a handful of pistachios can add even more to this simple side dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresh strawberries — One pound of peak-season berries. The sweeter they are, the better the salad.
- English cucumber — Crisp, mild, and thin-skinned. No peeling required. Substitute Persian cucumbers cut into coins, if desired.
- Fresh basil and mint — Both are important here. Basil adds a sweet herby note, and mint adds brightness and a cooling finish.
- Olive oil and fresh lime juice — The base of the dressing. Simple and light.
- Agave nectar — Just a teaspoon to balance the lime. Swap in honey if you prefer.
- Kosher salt and cracked black pepper — Essential finishing touches.
How to Make Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
This one is genuinely as simple as it looks. Hull and slice the strawberries, halve and slice the cucumber. Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, agave, and salt in a large bowl, then toss in prepared strawberries and cucumber. Add the torn basil and mint, finish with cracked black pepper, and serve.
That’s it. Start to finish, you’re looking at 10 minutes for this bright cucumber and strawberry salad.
More Fresh Strawberry Recipes
If you’re making the most of strawberry season, this cucumber and strawberry salad is just the beginning. My Strawberry Arugula Salad with Watermelon brings peppery greens, juicy watermelon, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a heartier option. Or if you want something with a little heat, this Strawberry Salsa is sweet, spicy, and equally perfect for summer entertaining.
Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 English cucumber, halved and sliced
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, about 1 large lime
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon agave nectar, or honey
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Cracked black pepper, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Hull and slice the strawberries. Halve and slice the cucumber and add to the bowl.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, agave, and kosher salt until combined.
- Add the strawberries and cucumbers into the bowl with dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Add the torn basil and mint and toss once more.
- Finish with cracked black pepper, as desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh, but it can be made a few hours in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, noting strawberries will soften and release liquid over time.
- Persian cucumbers work well for this recipe, as well. Substitute 3 to 4 in place of the English cucumber.
- Add red onion for sharpness or feta cheese for a saltiness that pairs well with the lime vinaigrette.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
