If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly tasty dish, the Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe is absolutely the way to go. This salad perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors while providing a lovely mix of crisp and creamy textures. Each bite bursts with the juiciness of strawberries, the refreshing crunch of cucumber, the tang of feta, and the aromatic freshness of mint and basil, making it a standout favorite for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, featuring a handful of fresh, quality ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each element matters, from the juicy strawberries to the salty feta, and the fresh herbs add a fragrant lift that truly makes this salad shine.
- Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, firm strawberries for the sweetest, juiciest flavor.
- English cucumber: Crisp and mild, it provides a refreshing crunch without overpowering the dish.
- Crumbly feta cheese: Its salty creaminess contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
- Good quality olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps to marry all the ingredients.
- Balsamic glaze: This drizzle adds a tangy sweetness that enhances the strawberries perfectly.
- Flaky sea salt: Brings out the bright flavors and adds a nice texture.
- Fresh mint: Provides a cool, herbal note that refreshes the palate.
- Fresh basil: Contributes an aromatic, slightly sweet depth to the salad.
How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by slicing the strawberries and cucumbers into thin, coin-shaped slices. This ensures every bite gets a perfect balance of sweet and crisp. Then, toss these slices with the crumbly feta cheese and place everything into a large, shallow salad bowl. This layering helps to showcase the vibrant colors and makes tossing easier later on.
Step 2: Dress the Salad
Next, drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the salad. These simple dressings bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and add a rich undertone to the crisp cucumber. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt on top to enhance all the flavors, adding both taste and a delightful crunch.
Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs and Let Flavors Marry
Finally, scatter the roughly chopped fresh basil and mint leaves over the salad, giving it a beautiful, fragrant finish. Allow the salad to rest for about five minutes before serving. This little pause lets the flavors meld together so each forkful feels balanced and fresh.
How to Serve Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, try adding a few whole mint leaves or basil sprigs on top just before serving. A light sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can also add a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad is beautiful on its own as a light lunch or appetizer, but it also makes a fabulous side for grilled chicken, fish, or a summery pasta dish. Its bright flavors and refreshing crunch balance richer, heavier meals wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, serve this salad in individual glass bowls layered with herbs on the bottom and colorful salad ingredients on top. Alternatively, turn it into a vibrant wrap filling with some warm flatbread to enjoy a portable meal packed with flavor and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Because of the fresh ingredients, it’s best enjoyed the same day it’s made to keep the cucumbers crisp and herbs bright.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing. Freezing would damage the texture of the cucumbers and strawberries, making them mushy upon thawing, so it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Since this salad is served cold and relies heavily on fresh ingredients, reheating is not recommended. For the best experience, prepare only as much as you plan to eat at one time or keep leftovers refrigerated and consume promptly.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers work fine, but keep in mind that English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which makes for a smoother, less watery salad.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use goat cheese or a mild ricotta salata for a similar creamy and tangy effect.
How do I keep the herbs fresh in the salad?
Chop the herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and color. Adding them too early can cause them to wilt or lose their brightness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply omit the feta or use a vegan cheese alternative, and you’ll still have a delicious, fresh salad full of flavor.
What is the best balsamic glaze to use?
Look for a thick, slightly sweet balsamic glaze made from quality aged balsamic vinegar. It should be syrupy and dense to coat the salad beautifully without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful dishes. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with color and texture, and perfectly balances sweetness and savory notes. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple meal into a special occasion with every bite.
Print
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Mint, and Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Cucumber Salad featuring sweet strawberries, crisp cucumber slices, tangy feta cheese, and a fragrant mix of fresh mint and basil, all dressed in a light olive oil and balsamic glaze. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this no-cook salad comes together in minutes and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced into coins
- 2 ounces crumbly feta cheese
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
Herbs
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits and cheese: Slice the strawberries and cucumbers into thin, coin-shaped slices. Toss these sliced fruits gently with the crumbly feta cheese and transfer the mixture into a large, shallow salad bowl to create a layered base for the salad.
- Add dressing and season: Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze evenly over the top of the salad. Follow by sprinkling the flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. Then, generously top the salad with the roughly chopped fresh basil and mint for a burst of herbal aroma and color.
- Rest before serving: Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the ingredients meld together, letting the flavors intensify and develop before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Use a good quality olive oil and balsamic glaze for the best flavor impact.
- Adjust the amount of flaky sea salt according to taste, especially if your feta cheese is salty.
- For a vegan version, substitute the feta cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely.
- English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers can be used peeled if desired.
