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A Bright, Sweet & Savory Summer Salad Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze
When warm weather calls for light, fresh meals, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of seasonal produce. This Strawberry Cucumber Tomato Salad is a stunning mix of sweet berries, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers, all tied together with a rich drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a playful twist on the traditional tomato salad—unexpected, colorful, and refreshing.
With just a few ingredients and no cooking required, this salad comes together in minutes and brings bold flavor to any summer table.
🍓 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cucumber Tomato Salad
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✅ Naturally vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free
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✅ No mayo, no cheese, no alcohol—just clean, seasonal flavor
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✅ Sweet and savory in perfect balance
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✅ Makes a beautiful centerpiece for summer spreads
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✅ Ready in under 10 minutes
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, a BBQ, or a light lunch, this salad is as functional as it is flavorful.
🛒 Ingredients
🥗 Salad Base
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1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, sliced or ribboned (English or Persian work best)
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¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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1–2 tablespoons fresh basil, torn or thinly sliced
🍯 Dressing
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1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍬 Finishing Touch
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1–2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, to drizzle on top
(Use store-bought or make your own with just balsamic vinegar + a touch of sweetener)
🍴 How to Make Strawberry Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Wash and dry all produce. Hull and slice the strawberries. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice or ribbon the cucumber, and thinly slice red onion if using.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep ingredients chilled until just before serving for a crisp, cool bite.
Step 2: Toss the Base
Place strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into a large salad bowl. Add olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently toss to coat.
Step 3: Add Herbs & Glaze
Top the salad with torn basil leaves. Just before serving, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
✔️ You can also serve the glaze on the side so guests can add their preferred amount.
🥒 Serving Ideas
This salad makes a great light lunch, side dish, or potluck offering. Try it with:
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Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpea patties
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Flatbread and hummus
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Couscous or quinoa bowls
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Fresh lemonade or cucumber-mint water
🍽️ Serving tip: For a more elegant presentation, layer the ingredients on a large platter and drizzle the glaze just before bringing it to the table.
🔁 Recipe Variations
🧀 Add a Touch of Creaminess
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Avocado slices
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Vegan ricotta or feta-style crumbles
🥜 Add Crunch
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Toasted sunflower seeds or almonds
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Roasted chickpeas or pepitas
🍋 Citrus Twist
Swap lemon juice for orange or lime juice for a flavor twist.
🧊 Storage Tips
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This salad is best eaten fresh, within 1–2 hours
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You can prep the fruit and veggies ahead, but wait to dress and glaze until ready to serve
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day (strawberries may soften)
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the produce 3–4 hours in advance. However, wait to add the olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic glaze until just before serving to preserve the texture.
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Try diced heirloom or Roma tomatoes. Just make sure they’re ripe and flavorful.
Is there a substitute for balsamic glaze?
You can reduce balsamic vinegar on the stovetop with a bit of maple syrup or honey until syrupy, or use pomegranate molasses for a similar tangy-sweet effect.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh mint or parsley works great, or leave herbs out entirely for a more minimal version.
Can kids enjoy this salad?
Yes! The sweetness of the strawberries and the fun shape of cucumber ribbons make it appealing to kids. For younger eaters, skip the onion and go light on the balsamic.
❤️ Final Thoughts: A Salad That Captures Summer
This Strawberry Cucumber Tomato Salad proves that fresh ingredients need very little fuss to shine. It’s light, flavorful, and so beautiful it could double as a centerpiece. From picnics to dinner parties, this salad adds a splash of color and a touch of sweetness to any spread.
Fast, fresh, and absolutely delicious—summer salad goals, achieved.
