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    Home » Salads » Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Published on Jun 16, 2020 by Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD | Last modified on Dec 3, 2020

    Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    179 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    If you're looking for a dose of summer in a salad, this cucumber strawberry salad with strawberry balsamic vinaigrette was made for you! Packed with quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds, you'll be filled up and satisfied. *Vegetarian and gluten-free*

    Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a bowl

    Salads are making a comeback, right? I think we've all moved on from boring, bland salads. And this cucumber strawberry salad is leading the charge. This salad combines fresh fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, spinach, and strawberries with quinoa, feta cheese, and almonds. Sweet and savory, crunchy, and filling - all the best things, right?! This dressing also makes this salad come alive, and I could probably eat it on its own - you'll see what I mean when you make it for yourself!

    ingredients for Cucumber Strawberry Salad in bowls

    Ingredients

    • Quinoa: This high-fiber, high-protein grain-like seed adds a lot of filling power to this refreshing salad.
    • Spinach: Bagged spinach can save you alot of time since they usually come pre-washed.
    • Strawberries: Fresh strawberries spoil quickly, so don't buy these strawberries too far ahead of time when making this salad.
    • English cucumber: You can substitute smaller, Persian or "salad" cucumbers if you prefer.
    • Feta cheese: Best if bought in a block rather than pre-crumbled for the best taste and texture.
    • Almonds: You can buy pre-sliced or slivered almonds for ease, or feel free to swap with a different nut if you prefer.
    • Strawberry balsamic vinaigrette: Strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and salt.
    • spinach in a bowl surrounded by ingredients for Cucumber Strawberry Salad
    • spinach and quinoa in a bowl surrounded by ingredients for Cucumber Strawberry Salad
    • spinach, quinoa, and cucumbers in a bowl surrounded by ingredients for Cucumber Strawberry Salad
    • spinach, quinoa, strawberries, and cucumbers in a bowl surrounded by ingredients for Cucumber Strawberry Salad
    • Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a bowl
    • Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a bowl

    How to Make Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    Rinse and hull the strawberries (remove the green and white top part). Quarter the strawberries by cutting them into 4 sections. Add strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to a food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes or until the vinaigrette is mostly smooth.

    strawberry balsamic vinaigrette in a jar

    Storage Tips

    This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you would like to prepare it ahead of time, the best way to store the salad is layered in jars. This ensures that the spinach doesn't get soggy from the dressing.

    Layer the jars (bottom to top): vinaigrette, cucumbers, strawberries, quinoa, feta, quinoa, almonds, spinach. Store in the fridge for 1-2 days.  

    Expert Tips

    • Use fresh ingredients if possible! This salad is best enjoyed in the summer because cucumbers and strawberries taste even more delicious when they're in season!
    • Want to infuse more flavor in your quinoa? Cook the quinoa with vegetable broth instead of water for a flavor boost.
    • If you have regular balsamic vinegar and not white balsamic vinegar, feel free to sub it out. It will result in a darker color, but the taste should be almost similar.

    Variations and Substitutions

    • Make it vegan and/or dairy-free: Substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese or omit it completely to make this recipe vegan.
    • Make it gluten-free: This salad is already gluten-free. The only concerning ingredient is quinoa - although it is gluten-free, it can cross-contact with gluten in processing and/or manufacturing. If you are on a strict gluten-free diet, make sure the packaging of your quinoa is "certified gluten-free."
    • Add a protein source: To make this dish more filling, add your favorite protein source. Grilled chicken or shrimp would be wonderful in this dish!
    • Change up the veggies! I'm a huge fan of flexibility and using what you have on hand. If you don't have spinach, most leafy greens would taste just as good - feel free to substitute with romaine lettuce, mixed greens, or kale. Also, you can add bell peppers for an added crunch if you prefer.

    What to Serve with Cucumber Strawberry Salad

    This refreshing fruit and veggie salad pairs so well with a hearty dish like this Lemon Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta, an easy Margherita Flatbread Pizza, or these delicious Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa.

    Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a bowl

    If you made this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me @thebalancedbite on Instagram. Follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for more healthy & tasty recipes!

    More Vegetable Salad Recipes:

    • Peach Salad with Avocado
    • Lemon Parmesan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
    • Shrimp Taco Salad Bowl
    • Quinoa Black Bean Avocado Salad
    • Mediterranean Shrimp Salad
    • Chickpea Avocado Salad
    Cucumber Strawberry Salad in a bowl

    Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    If you're looking for a dose of summer in a salad, this cucumber strawberry salad with strawberry balsamic vinaigrette was made for you! Packed with quinoa, spinach, cucumbers, strawberries, feta cheese, and almonds, you'll be filled up and satisfied.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizers and Snacks, Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy, Gluten Free, quick, spring, strawberry, summer, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 2
    Author: Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • ⅓ cup quinoa
    • 6 cups spinach
    • 6 large strawberries, quartered
    • 1 English cucumber, sliced
    • 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
    • 2 tablespoons chopped almonds

    Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

    • 4 strawberries, quartered
    • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • ⅛ tsp salt

    Instructions

    • Cook the quinoa. Rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under running water. Combine quinoa and ⅔ cup water in a medium pot. Cook on medium heat until it comes to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed completely.Turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let stand for 5 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork.
    • Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, combine strawberries, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a food processor. Process for 1 minute, until ingredients are processed and vinaigrette is mostly smooth.
    • Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, spinach, strawberries, cucumbers, feta cheese, and almonds. Drizzle vinaigrette over salad and mix to combine. Season with salt to taste. Serve in individual bowls.

    Notes

    Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you would like to prepare it ahead of time, the best way to store the salad is layered in jars. Layer the jars (bottom to top): vinaigrette, cucumbers, strawberries, quinoa, feta, quinoa, almonds, spinach. Store in the fridge for 1-2 days. 

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    Cucumber Strawberry Salad with text overlay

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    179 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chase Mazur says

      June 16, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      Personally, I think it's really good with goat cheese (instead of the feta) and chicken, perfect work-day lunch.

      Reply
    2. Sondra Barker says

      July 03, 2020 at 2:56 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so yummy for a summer day! Can't wait to make it and maybe add some grilled chicken!

      Reply
    3. Lesli Schwartz says

      July 03, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious, refreshing summer fruit salad! I'm so into salads right now and need this recipe in my rotation!

      Reply
    4. Taleen | Just As Tasty says

      July 03, 2020 at 8:25 pm

      5 stars
      This is seriously the perfect summer salad! I can just imagine how fresh the cucumbers and strawberries taste together. Can't wait to try this!

      Reply
    5. Alexis says

      July 03, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      5 stars
      If I don't have feta I love goat or bleu cheese in this salad. So yummy!

      Reply
    6. Maria says

      July 03, 2020 at 9:41 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is beautiful! I love the healthy components of it including the protein-packed quinoa, nuts, and strawberries. It's the perfect balance of textures!

      Reply
    7. Beth says

      July 03, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      Such a colorful salad and tasty selection of toppings for quinoa. I'm really a fan of feta cheese and white balsamic vinegar anyway.

      Reply
      • Jere Cassidy says

        July 04, 2020 at 12:10 am

        That strawberry vinegarette looks amazing. This salad is perfect for summer with all the refreshing ingredients.

        Reply
    8. Beth says

      July 03, 2020 at 10:23 pm

      5 stars
      Such a colorful salad and tasty selection of toppings for quinoa. I’m really a fan of feta cheese and white balsamic vinegar anyway.

      Reply
    9. Stine Mari says

      July 04, 2020 at 12:56 am

      5 stars
      I love strawberry and balsamic vinegar together and I love strawberries in salads so this is right up my alley!

      Reply
    10. Marta says

      July 04, 2020 at 1:09 am

      5 stars
      WHOA!!! There are so many flavors that I'm unworthy of in this salad! I'm a balsamic freak so my eyes perked up when I saw the vinaigrette. This is a hit.

      Reply
    11. Shana says

      July 04, 2020 at 1:19 am

      This salas looks so good. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna make it tomorrow. Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    12. Kushigalu says

      July 04, 2020 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      What a beautiful and refreshing summer salad is this. One of my favorite combo. I will try your version soon

      Reply
    13. Amy Liu Dong says

      July 04, 2020 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      I usually eat strawberry alone and never tried to make a strawberry salad like this but you definitely give me a new way of eating it. I will definitely this salad recipe and thank you so much for sharing this with us.

      Reply
    14. Maria says

      July 04, 2020 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      This salad is beautiful! I love the healthy components of it including the protein-packed quinoa, nuts, and strawberries. It's the perfect balance of textures!

      Reply
    15. Jacqueline Debono says

      July 04, 2020 at 1:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is a fabulous summer salad that I'm dying to make. Your strawberry balsamic dressing sounds divine!

      Reply
    16. Gail Montero says

      July 04, 2020 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      What a gorgeous salad this is! Love the many yummy textures and flavors you added - so deliciously perfect!

      Reply
    17. Wendy says

      July 05, 2020 at 1:02 pm

      Oh my! There is nothing I love more than fresh garden produce and this Cucumber Strawberry Salad is the perfect way to use the abidance of cucumbers from my garden right now.

      Reply
    18. Ali Hanson says

      July 05, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great recipe, strawberries and cucumber are so plentiful where I am in the summertime and this is a great way to combine them!

      Reply
    19. Emily says

      July 06, 2020 at 2:00 am

      5 stars
      I absolutely love the combo of fresh strawberries and cucumber.... so refreshing! This salad is delicious.

      Reply
    20. sapana says

      July 06, 2020 at 5:17 am

      5 stars
      This is such a wonderful summer fruit and veggie salad recipe. Love the addition of crunchy almonds and quinoa makes it wholesome and filling too.

      Reply
    21. Joyce says

      July 06, 2020 at 8:47 am

      5 stars
      The ingredients work so well in this recipe! Love it. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    22. Alex says

      July 06, 2020 at 1:11 pm

      That is such a pretty salad with the pinks, reds and greens. You know I've never actually tried strawberries in a savoury dish before!

      Reply
    23. Lathiya says

      July 07, 2020 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      I can't say enough how vibrant this salad looks. Such a hearty salad to have at any time.

      Reply
    24. Kari says

      July 13, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      This is the summer salad I have been looking for! How lovely and vibrant and I cant wait to make it.

      Reply

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    Welcome to my tiny New York City kitchen!

    I'm Alena Kharlamenko - the registered dietitian, self-taught home cook, recipe developer, and taste taster behind the scenes here at Alena Menko Nutrition. Here you'll find healthy, and delicious recipes that are simple and quick to make.

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