If you’re looking for the ultimate bright and refreshing summer side, look no further than Strawberry Cucumber Salad. Sweet strawberries nestle next to crisp, cool slices of cucumber, all enhanced by a splash of tangy vinegar and a drizzle of silky olive oil. Black sesame seeds give a nutty pop in every bite, making this beautiful bowl as inviting for the eyes as it is satisfying for your palate! Whether you’re hosting a picnic or just want something light and flavorful to go alongside dinner, this simple salad is guaranteed to steal the show.

Strawberry Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Strawberry Cucumber Salad such a standout is how each fresh ingredient brings its own magic to the table. Every component plays a starring role—creating a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, color, and complexity with very little effort. Here’s what you’ll need to whip it up:

Strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Choose ripe, juicy berries for the freshest flavor and natural sweetness.
Cucumber (1, about 1/2 to 3/4 cup sliced): English or Persian cucumbers are ideal for their crispness and tender skin.
Vinegar (1 teaspoon): A bright, acidic vinegar like rice or white wine enhances the overall flavor and cuts through the sweetness.
Olive oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle richness and helps marry all the flavors together seamlessly.
Black sesame seeds, toasted (1/2 teaspoon): For a beautiful nutty crunch and striking color contrast in every spoonful.

How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep the Ingredients

Wash your strawberries and cucumber thoroughly. Pat them dry with a clean towel, then slice the strawberries into bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the cucumber. Cleaning and prepping your produce ahead makes the assembly smooth and effortless.

Step 2: Combine the Fruits and Veggies

Grab a medium serving bowl and toss in all the sliced strawberries and cucumber. Gently mix them together with clean hands or a large spoon to distribute the colors and flavors evenly through the bowl.

Step 3: Dress the Salad

Drizzle the teaspoon of vinegar evenly over the strawberry-cucumber mixture, followed by the olive oil. Toss everything lightly to coat—this simple dressing really wakes up the freshness in every ingredient without overpowering them.

Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle toasted black sesame seeds right over the top of your salad. They’ll add just the right amount of crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that takes this dish from simple to absolutely unforgettable.

How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

While this salad is already gorgeous, you can amp up the beauty by adding a few sprigs of fresh mint, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds. Even edible flowers like nasturtiums or violas will make your Strawberry Cucumber Salad a true showpiece on the table.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad pairs well with so many main courses! It’s delightful next to grilled chicken, fresh fish, or tofu. You can also set it alongside a flaky tart or a cheeseboard for an eye-catching pop of color and crispness that complements rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Strawberry Cucumber Salad in hollowed-out avocado halves for an impressive starter, or layer it into small mason jars for a portable picnic dish. You can even scatter the salad atop toasted crostini for a playful finger food at summer gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To preserve that crunchy-fresh bite, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay tasty for up to 24 hours, though the cucumbers and strawberries might release a bit of juice and soften slightly as they chill together.

Freezing

This isn’t a great candidate for freezing, unfortunately. The fresh textures of the strawberries and cucumber will break down and become mushy once thawed, so Strawberry Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh or within a day.

Reheating

Since this salad is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat! Just give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing, and it’s ready to enjoy straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I substitute another fruit for strawberries?

Absolutely! Blueberries, sliced peaches, or even watermelon are delicious in place of strawberries. Each will give a slightly different twist, but the salad will remain crisp, fresh, and wonderfully summery.

What type of cucumber works best?

English or Persian cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and minimal seeds, but any variety will do. Just peel and seed regular cucumbers if you prefer a more delicate bite.

How can I make the salad ahead for a party?

Prepare the fruit and veggies up to two hours ahead, but wait to dress and sprinkle the sesame seeds until just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents sogginess.

Is there a different dressing I could try?

Swap in balsamic vinegar for a sweeter tang, or even try a splash of citrus juice like lemon or lime. A little drizzle of honey can add extra depth if you like a touch more sweetness.

Can I add protein to make it a meal?

Definitely! Add slices of grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled feta cheese or chickpeas for a heartier, more filling version of Strawberry Cucumber Salad.

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly fresh about this Strawberry Cucumber Salad, and once you try it, you’ll crave it at every summer meal. I hope you’re inspired to give it a go—whether you’re serving guests, or just treating yourself to a burst of sunshine in a bowl!