Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever tasted a dish that feels like summer on a plate? The Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden brings together vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and delightful textures. Juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and a drizzle of honey balsamic dressing create an irresistible combination that can brighten any meal.
This salad isn’t just beautiful; it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply looking for a refreshing side dish to accompany dinner, this recipe is your perfect match. The balance of sweet and tangy will leave your taste buds dancing, while the crunch of the cucumbers adds satisfying texture. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make salad that celebrates the best of seasonal ingredients!
Key Ingredients For Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the best flavor.
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Cucumbers: Select firm cucumbers without blemishes; English cucumbers work well as they have fewer seeds.
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Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion to add sweetness and a slight bite to the salad.
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Honey: Opt for a high-quality honey for natural sweetness in the dressing.
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Balsamic Vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar adds depth and richness to the dressing.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a smooth texture and enhanced flavor in the dressing.
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Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings enhance all the flavors in the salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters based on their size. Peel and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red onion into rings.
Second Step : Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust sweetness or acidity according to your taste preferences by adding more honey or vinegar if needed.
Third Step : Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add sliced strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion. Drizzle half of the honey balsamic dressing over the top.
Fourth Step : Toss The Salad
Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with dressing. Be careful not to mash the strawberries; you want to keep their lovely shape intact.
Fifth Step : Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining dressing for the perfect finishing touch.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Select Seasonal Produce: Using fresh strawberries and cucumbers during their peak season enhances flavor significantly.
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Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the amount of honey based on how sweet your strawberries are.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing with mint or basil for added freshness and flavor complexity.
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Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance; just wait until serving time to add any delicate herbs or toppings.
Presentation Ideas
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Grilled Chicken: Serve this refreshing salad alongside grilled chicken for a light yet filling meal. The sweetness of the strawberries complements the savory chicken perfectly.
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Fish Tacos: The crispness of the cucumber and the tangy dressing enhance any fish taco dish, adding a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the fish.
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Quinoa Bowl: Top your quinoa bowl with this salad for a nutritious boost. The combination of textures and flavors will elevate your meal to a new level.
Storage Tips
To keep your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within two days for optimal taste. If you plan to eat it later, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and freshness of strawberries. You can mix them just before serving to achieve that delightful crunch.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, promoting heart health and boosting immunity. Cucumbers provide hydration and are low in calories, making them ideal for weight management. The honey balsamic dressing adds flavor without overwhelming calories, thanks to natural sweeteners.
Variations
Feel free to customize your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. Consider adding feta cheese for creaminess or nuts for crunch. Fresh herbs like mint or basil can enhance flavor complexity. Experimenting with different dressings could also yield delicious results, such as using lemon vinaigrette instead.
FAQs
What can I substitute if I don’t have honey?
If you’re looking for alternatives to honey in your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden, consider using agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option. Both provide sweetness and complement the tangy balsamic vinegar beautifully. You can also try coconut sugar dissolved in a little warm water as another natural sweetener.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden ahead of time! To ensure freshness, chop your cucumbers and strawberries but leave out the dressing until you’re ready to serve. Mixing it right before eating keeps everything crisp and flavorful while preventing sogginess.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden is perfect for meal prep due to its easy storage options. Make larger batches at once and divide them into individual containers without dressing for quick lunches throughout the week. Just add the dressing when you’re ready to enjoy it!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, your Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing Golden will stay fresh for about two days in the fridge. After that, while it may still be safe to eat, the quality may decline as cucumbers lose their crunch and strawberries begin to soften.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a refreshing summer dish that combines sweet strawberries and crisp cucumbers in a delightful blend of flavors. Tossed in a light honey balsamic dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a vibrant side dish. Enjoy the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and crunch that makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fruits and vegetables. Slice strawberries into halves or quarters, cucumbers into thin rounds, and red onion into rings.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced strawberries, cucumbers, and red onion. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss all ingredients to coat with dressing without mashing the strawberries.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Drizzle with remaining dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
