Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberries and cucumbers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. However, wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.

Can I use dark balsamic vinegar instead of white?

Absolutely. Dark balsamic works just as well in terms of flavor. It will slightly darken the appearance of the salad but still tastes delicious.

What can I substitute for honey to make it vegan?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a plant-based alternative to honey. Both will give a similar sweetness without compromising flavor.

Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Description

This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing is a refreshing, four-ingredient side dish that’s perfect for warm weather. It combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the crispness of cucumbers, all brought together by a tangy-sweet balsamic and honey drizzle. Great for potlucks, brunches, or healthy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pints strawberries, stemmed and sliced
2 large cucumbers, roughly peeled and sliced thin
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup honey

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Instructions

Wash and prepare the produce: Rinse the strawberries and cucumbers under cool water. Remove the stems from the strawberries and slice them evenly. For the cucumbers, peel them in strips if desired, then slice them thinly for a delicate crunch.
Assemble the salad: Arrange the strawberry and cucumber slices in a mixing or serving bowl. You can layer them in a circular fan pattern for visual appeal or toss them gently together for a more casual presentation.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar and honey until smooth and well combined. If the honey is thick, warm it slightly or stir slowly into the vinegar to ensure it blends easily.
Dress the salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving. Avoid tossing too vigorously to keep the strawberry slices intact and visually appealing.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the salad immediately after dressing for the freshest texture. If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and drizzle on when ready to serve.

Notes

You can add extras like crumbled feta, fresh mint, or baby arugula for added flavor and color. For best results, use ripe, in-season strawberries. If using regular cucumbers instead of English, consider removing the seeds for a cleaner bite. For a lower-sugar version, reduce the amount of honey or substitute with a sugar-free alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 118
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 1g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg