Description
This Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Bliss is a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese with a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a light side or a refreshing snack, it’s quick to prepare, packed with fresh herbs, and balances sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors for a delightful summer salad experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Fresh Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced strawberries, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion to create the fresh base of the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing evenly over the strawberry and cucumber mixture, then gently toss to ensure all pieces are coated without bruising the delicate fruit.
- Add Herbs and Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese along with the chopped fresh mint and optional basil on top of the salad, then toss lightly one more time to distribute evenly.
- Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving so the ingredients can blend and develop enhanced flavor. Serve chilled or at room temperature according to preference.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pistachios.
- If preparing ahead of time, add the feta cheese just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice to provide a different but equally bright citrus flavor.
