Description
This Refreshing Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta Bliss is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a side at your summer gatherings. Juicy strawberries paired with crisp cucumbers, fragrant fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese create a delightful harmony, all brought together with a zesty honey-lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Chopped Strawberries (Use ripe berries for the best flavor.)
- 2 cups Chopped Cucumbers (Persian or mini cucumbers recommended.)
- 1 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (High-quality sheep’s feta preferred.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Adjust quantity based on leaf size.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (Adjust quantity based on leaf size.)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (Acts as the fat base.)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Provides acidity.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Can substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option.)
- 1 tablespoon White Wine Vinegar (Can substitute apple cider vinegar.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Offers savory depth.)
- Salt (to taste, enhances overall flavor.)
- Pepper (to taste, enhances overall flavor.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Wash and chop the strawberries and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Crumble the feta cheese and finely chop the fresh basil and mint leaves to prepare all the main salad ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and slightly emulsified. Set aside to allow the flavors to marry.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large serving bowl, add the chopped strawberries, cucumbers, crumbled feta, fresh basil, and mint. Gently mix these ingredients to evenly distribute them without bruising the delicate berries and herbs.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently and carefully to coat all ingredients thoroughly while preserving their texture and freshness.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crisp textures.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum sweetness and flavor contrast.
- Persian or mini cucumbers are preferred because of their tender seeds and thin skin.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit feta or use a vegan feta alternative.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; avoid letting it sit too long to prevent sogginess.
- Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on availability and personal preference.
