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This cucumber strawberry salad with watermelon is pure refreshment on a summer day and makes a colorful side for any grilled meal or potluck. Juicy strawberries and watermelon mingle with crisp cucumber and bright mint for a flavor-packed bowl that hardly needs a dressing. I first brought this to a picnic and everyone asked for the recipe before the meal was over.
The first time I made this salad I was drawn in by the colors but it is the fresh taste and crisp textures that convinced me to make it again and again. Every bite feels a little bit like summer vacation.
Ingredients
- fresh strawberries: diced for sweetness and bright color choose ripe berries for the best flavor
- watermelon: cubed for juicy texture firm seedless watermelon is easiest to work with
- English cucumber: chopped for crunch and balance you want one with glossy skin and no soft spots
- red onion: sliced very thin for a delicate kick look for a small onion with no green shoots
- fresh mint leaves: chopped to lift every bite use leaves that look vibrant and perky
- olive oil: adds a silky finish and helps flavors meld go for extra virgin if possible
- fresh lime juice: for tang and freshness pick limes that feel heavy for their size
- kosher salt and black pepper: to pull everything together start with a pinch and taste as you go
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Salad Base:
- In a roomy serving bowl place the strawberries watermelon cucumber red onion and mint all together so the flavors are ready to meld
- Season the Salad:
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper over everything then drizzle on the lime juice and olive oil making sure to coat the ingredients evenly
- Toss to Combine:
- Using clean hands or a gentle spoon toss the salad delicately but thoroughly so every piece gets a touch of dressing and seasoning
- Chill or Serve:
- Taste and adjust for more salt or lime if you want then serve right away for maximum crunch or let the salad chill in the fridge for up to two hours to let the flavors sink in
The mint in this salad is my not so secret favorite part. Just a handful wakes up every other flavor it reminds me of picking mint from my grandmother’s garden and racing back inside barefoot to sprinkle it over watermelon slices.
Storage Tips
You can store this salad covered in the refrigerator for up to twelve hours but it is best eaten the day it is made. The watermelon and strawberries will release extra juice as they sit which is actually delicious over ice or saved to pour over sparkling water. If leftovers get a little soft I like to blend them into a chilled smoothie.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try using feta cheese in place of some of the salt for a creamy salty bite. Basil works beautifully if you do not have fresh mint. Yellow or orange watermelon brings a striking twist while any tender cucumber works in place of English cucumber.
Serving Suggestions
This makes an ideal side for grilled chicken fish or steak. It is also a pretty topping for toast with goat cheese or on a platter with prosciutto. For a light lunch add a scoop of this salad over arugula or serve it alongside cool soups.
Cultural Context
Fruit salads like this are celebrated in summer tables across many cultures from Mexican fruit carts to Mediterranean mezze platters. In my family it signals the start of berry picking season and always appears at cookouts and birthdays.
FAQs about Recipes
- → Can this fruit salad be made ahead?
Yes! You can prep the components a few hours in advance and refrigerate. For best texture, assemble just before serving.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Freshness is best soon after combining the ingredients.
- → Can I substitute another melon?
Cantaloupe or honeydew also taste great with strawberries and cucumber for a colorful, delicious variation.
- → How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Gently pat cucumber and watermelon dry before mixing. Add dressing just before serving to preserve texture.
- → Is the red onion essential?
Red onion adds gentle sharpness, but you can omit it for a milder flavor or use sliced shallots for a subtle touch.