Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is the perfect combination of refreshing cucumber, sweet strawberries, and creamy feta. The addition of pistachios gives it a lovely crunch, while the fresh mint adds a burst of aromatic flavor. The honey lime dressing enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, making it the ideal summer dish. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to prepare—great for gatherings, picnics, or as a healthy side for any meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 ounce fresh mint, chopped
For the Honey Lime Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 limes, juiced
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, and chopped mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and lime juice until the honey is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, or chill the salad for about 10-15 minutes before serving for a cool, refreshing dish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10-15 minutes, making it a quick and easy salad to whip up.
Variations
- Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Different nuts: If you don’t have pistachios, you can use almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds as a substitute.
- Herb variations: While mint adds a lovely freshness, you can also use basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan option: To make this salad vegan, skip the feta and use a plant-based cheese alternative, or opt for avocado for a creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If storing leftovers, the pistachios may lose some of their crunch, so it’s recommended to add them just before serving if possible.
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
2. Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or a dairy-free alternative for a vegan option.
3. How can I make the dressing sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add a little more honey or even maple syrup.
4. Can I use a regular cucumber instead of an English cucumber?
Yes, you can use a regular cucumber, but be sure to peel it, as the skin on regular cucumbers can be bitter.
5. How long will the honey lime dressing last?
You can store the dressing in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may separate over time.
6. Can I add more fruit to the salad?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries, oranges, or kiwi to the salad for extra flavor and color.
7. How do I prevent the strawberries from getting mushy?
To prevent the strawberries from getting too soft, wait to slice them until just before serving, and be gentle when mixing them into the salad.
8. Can I make this salad without honey?
Yes, you can substitute the honey with agave nectar, maple syrup, or leave it out for a less sweet version.
9. How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a few thin slices of jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Pistachios, and Honey Lime Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The mix of textures and flavors, from the juicy strawberries and crisp cucumber to the creamy feta and crunchy pistachios, creates a truly satisfying salad. With its tangy honey lime dressing, this salad is a great way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Print
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Feta, Pistachios, and Honey Lime Dressing is a refreshing and vibrant dish. Combining juicy strawberries, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, and crunchy pistachios, all tossed in a tangy honey lime dressing, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
1 ounce fresh mint, chopped
For the Honey Lime Dressing:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 limes, juiced
Instructions
-
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, sliced strawberries, crumbled feta, chopped pistachios, and chopped mint.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and lime juice until the honey is dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
-
Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
-
Serve: Serve immediately, or chill the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving for a cool, refreshing dish.
Notes
Add protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Different nuts: Substitute pistachios with almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.
Herb variations: Swap mint for basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Vegan option: Omit the feta and use a plant-based cheese alternative or opt for avocado for creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Light Meal
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
