Can I make this cucumber salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead (slice the cucumbers, make the balsamic glaze, wash the herbs), but wait to slice the strawberries and assemble until just before serving so the strawberries and burrata stay fresh.

What if I can’t find burrata?

Fresh mozzarella or even a scoop of ricotta works, but burrata adds that creaminess that’s hard to beat. If you have a Safeway near you, that's where I found my 8-ounce tub with two 4-ounce burrata balls . You should also be able to find it at an Italian deli near you, and possibly Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, or Amazon.

Do I have to use Heraclea olive oil?

Nope! Any good-quality extra virgin olive oil will work, but in my opinion, Heraclea’s high-quality olive oil really elevates the overall salad.

Can I skip the mint or basil?

You could, but the herbs are what make this salad extra fresh and amazing. If you don’t have one of the herbs, just double up on the other!

What protein can I add to make it a full meal?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or prosciutto pair beautifully without overpowering the fresh flavors. There should be some leftover glaze from the salad, so drizzle some of that on your chosen protein, and you'll have a super tasty full meal!

Can I use regular cucumbers?

Yes, you can, but English seedless cucumbers are preferred as they have no seeds and barely any pulp. If you use a different kind of cucumber, be sure to remove any seeds and soft pulp from the inside, as it will give off an odd texture in the cucumber strawberry salad.

How do I chiffonade mint and basil?

Stack the mint and basil leaves (separately), roll them up like a little cigar, and slice thinly across to get fine, pretty ribbons.

Is the balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade?

Either works! You can simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until thick as directed in the recipe, or grab your favorite bottle from the store, like this popular one on Amazon .

Cucumber Strawberry Salad with Burrata and Balsamic

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5 from 5 reviews

Author: Jenna
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2-4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This light and refreshing cucumber strawberry salad is made with creamy burrata, fresh herbs, and a homemade balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect easy summer side dish or lunch that comes together in minutes with just a few simple ingredients!

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 English seedless cucumber (2 heaping cups), cut into half-moon shape
1 16-ounce package of strawberries (2 heaping cups), tops removed, then halved or quartered depending on size
half of a lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh mint, chiffonaded *see note
1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonaded
a generous pinch of flaky salt (like Maldon)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
2 4-ounce balls of burrata cheese

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Instructions

First, make the balsamic glaze as it needs time to cool. Heat balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken, and will thicken more as it cools.
Prepare the rest of the ingredients. Cut the tops off the strawberries, then slice them in half or quarter them, depending on their size. They should be about the same size as the cucumbers. Slice the cucumber into half-moon shapes, and chiffonade the basil and mint. Gently toss the ingredients with a spoon. Add the lemon juice and olive oil and toss again. Wait to add the salt and pepper until you’re just about to serve, as it will draw out the moisture in the cucumbers and make the salad soggy.
Lastly, serve and enjoy your Cucumber Strawberry Salad! You can divide this between two people for a meal portion or 4 people as a side dish. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and serve extra on the side. It’s best served immediately!

Equipment

Chef’s Knife

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Cutting Board (Handmade from Etsy)

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Notes

You can skip the step of making homemade balsamic glaze and buy a store-bought version to save even more time!
How to chiffonade mint and basil: stack the mint and basil leaves (separately), roll them up like a little cigar, and slice thinly across to get fine, pretty ribbons (see video).
You can divide this between 2 people for a meal portion or 4 people as a side dish.
Spoon some of the cucumber strawberry salad over a bed of greens to bulk it up a bit. Drizzle a little more balsamic glaze, olive oil, and lemon juice over the top!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: 30 Minutes or Less, Appetizers, Salads, Side Dishes, Spring/Summer Recipes, Vegetarian
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://heavenlyspiced.com/cucumber-strawberry-salad/

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