This strawberry cucumber salad is fresh, healthy, and clean! Baby spinach is loaded with cucumber, strawberries, quinoa, feta, and pickled onions. It's crunchy, sweet, and filling!
Fresh & Crunchy Salad:
I love an amazing salad. This one has ALL the things. Sweet strawberries, crunchy cukes, zippy pickled onions. This strawberry cucumber salad is DELISH!
If you haven't tried quinoa in your salads yet, I highly recommend it! It adds texture, filling protein, and whole grains. I make a big batch of quinoa at the start of the week JUST to add to salads!
This strawberry and cucumber salad is packed with nutrients and antioxidants to give you energy!
Key Ingredients:
- Baby spinach - Feel free to use whichever greens you like best! Mixed greens or a combination works great too.
- English cucumber - I prefer English cucumbers in salad. They're sweeter than regular cucumbers with smaller seeds and a firmer flesh. I thinly sliced them, but diced works great too!
- Quinoa - Make a big batch of quinoa ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. It's so versatile!
- Strawberries - I make this salad in the summer during strawberry season. Peak-season strawberries are so juicy and sweet!
- Feta cheese - You can buy a big tub at Costco for steal.
- Pickled red onions - I made my own, but you can find them in a well-stocked grocery store near the refrigerated pickles.
- Sliced almonds - I bought a huge bag at Costco. Pistachios, walnuts, and pecans taste great too.
- Balsamic dressing - Homemade or store-bought. I highly recommend Panera Bread's Balsamic Dressing. It's currently my favorite store-bought brand.
How to Make this Strawberry Cucumber Salad:
It's super simple! You can do it one of two ways:
- First option: Gently toss all the ingredients together in a bowl. Use salad tongs to divide the pre-dressed salad into serving bowls.
- Second option: Assemble four separate salads, divide the toppings evenly, then let your guests dress their own salads.
What balsamic vinaigrette should I use?
Since the dressing is a key ingredient in any salad recipe, it should be one you love! Not all balsamic vinaigrettes are created equal. I prefer Panera Bread's Balsamic Vinaigrette. You can find it in the refrigerated aisle near the produce.
Where can I find pickled onions?
You can find pickled onions in a well-stocked grocery store near the refrigerated pickles. I prefer to make my own while I prep the produce and assemble the salad.
Here's what you need to do:
- Slice the red onion and place in a medium bowl.
- Combine ½ cup water, ¾ vinegar, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Pour the mixture over the red onion and let sit for 20 minutes.
- Drain the mixture, then use the red onions in your salad!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Most salads don't store well, with the exception of hearty kale salads. Spinach tends to wilt quickly, especially when covered in dressing.
You can prep your produce ahead of time. Slice your cucumbers, quarter your strawberries, make some quinoa, and pickle your onions. Then all you have to do is assemble!
Healthy Summer Recipes:
- Mango Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon Fruit Salad
- Quinoa Salad with Feta & Peaches
- Pear and Arugula Salad
- Strawberry Passion Fruit Granita
- Arugula Salad with Cherries
- Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Basil Honey Vinaigrette
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- ¾ cup thinly sliced English cucumber
- ¾ cup cooked quinoa cooled
- 1½ cups quartered strawberries
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅔ cup pickled red onions
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- ¼ to ⅓ cup balsamic dressing I used Panera Bread's Balsamic Vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach, cucumber, quinoa, strawberries, feta cheese, pickled onions, sliced almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Use salad tongs to gently toss to combine. Serve immediately!
- Alternatively, you can assemble individual salads with the toppings and dress as desired.
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