Enjoy the fresh flavors of Summer in this delicious Cucumber Strawberry Salad with homemade balsamic Dijon dressing. Baby spinach, baby cucumbers, fresh mint, feta cheese and strawberries are tossed together in this light and healthy salad recipe.
The final days of February…It’s that time of year when I start to get a bit of cabin fever. Winter is not quite over, but there have been a few warmer days sprinkled throughout the month giving a glimpse of Spring weather. When these rare days hit, I like to prepare lighter dishes that are staples during the summer months like Vegetarian Chicken Salad. Today, I made this simple, yet delicious Cucumber Strawberry Salad. I make a homemade Balsamic Vinegar Dijon dressing to go on top. However, if you are pressed for time, you could simply add a store bought dressing or drizzle a little plain Balsamic Vinegar on to top of it. I had it for lunch, but it also makes a terrific side salad with dinner.
What do I need to make the Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
This salad is very simple to make, but it is packed with flavor. There are just 11 ingredients in this light and healthy dish. For the salad, you will need:
- Baby Spinach
- Baby Cucumbers
- Strawberries
- Feta Cheese
- Mint
For the dressing, you will need:
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Dijon Mustard
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
Is there anything else I need to make the Salad and Dressing?
I use a large salad bowl to prepare mine and toss it. I also have a glass salad dressing bottle to keep the dressing in, but a glass mason jar works great too!
Why add strawberries to a green salad?
I have been tossing all sorts of berries, including strawberries, into my salads for years now and I really enjoy the contrast in flavor it can add to the greens. It is a great way to pack in more seasonal fruits and vegetables as well. I also love just how pretty the added berries can make an ordinary green salad appear!
Is this a healthy salad?
Absolutely, this salad is packed with nutritional benefits! The strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. Spinach is an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B6 and K. The Cucumbers in this easy salad recipe also contain a number of antioxidants and are great for hydration as they are mainly composed of water. Also, the touch of chopped mint aids in digestion. These are just a few of the numerous benefits from eating this delicious Cucumber Strawberry Salad.
How do I make the Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
This delicious and nutritious fruit and greens salad takes less than 15 minutes to put together. All you need to do is put the baby spinach in a large bowl. Slice up 4 baby cucumbers and toss them in. Then, rinse, hull and quarter about a cup of strawberries and add them to the bowl with the spinach and cucumbers. Next, add in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh mint. Give the salad a toss with tongs and set aside.
How do I make the Dressing?
For the dressing all you need to do is whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper
When ready to serve, drizzle the desired amount of dressing on top of the salad and lightly toss. That is all there is to it…a beautiful, healthy and flavorful salad in under 15 minutes!
How do I store the Cucumber Strawberry Salad?
The salad is best prepared fresh and served the same day. If it is going to be made ahead of time, I recommend leaving the strawberries and feta out of the green mixture and tossing them in right before serving. The dressing can be drizzled on each individual serving of the salad.
What else can I add to the salad?
There are a number of ways to get creative with this basic recipe. I love adding fresh basil leaves and chopped red onion. I also enjoy adding a variety of berries to it: blackberries, blueberries and raspberries taste great! During the summer months, I like to add cantaloupe and honeydew melon balls to the greens. There are so many different twists that can be made with this basic recipe. Nuts, like Macadamia nuts, are another great add-in!
source: https://www.marathonsandmotivation.com/cucumber-strawberry-salad/
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