Forget everything you think you know about salads
This one started because I was tired of the same sweet-bitter cucumber thing. I chopped strawberries on a whim, then saw how the red and green clashed — actually looked like a small riot on my plate. It hit me: this combo does something weird. The crunch of cucumber against the soft, juicy strawberries makes your teeth work a little harder, a kind of food flirtation.
It smells like grass and ripe fruit, that fresh green scent mixed with a hint of summer sweetness. No dressing needed. The flavors stand on their own. A quick, honest bite that reminds you how weirdly good simple can be. It’s a little nostalgic, squinting out the window in the city, thinking about hot afternoons and cold drinks, but also surprisingly clean and light—like a fresh start you didn’t know you needed.
Why it matters right now
Because everything feels like it’s speeding up. This salad is part of that quiet, slow moment — a reminder that sometimes, doing nothing complicated matters most.
Strawberry Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim the ends of the cucumber with a chef's knife and slice into thin rounds using a mandoline slicer or careful hand-cutting for even thickness.1 large cucumber
- Hull the strawberries and slice them into thin, even pieces; set aside on a plate.1 large cucumber
- Arrange the cucumber slices on a large serving plate, overlapping slightly to create a textured base.1 large cucumber
- Scatter the sliced strawberries evenly over the cucumber layer, creating a vibrant contrast in color and texture.1 large cucumber
- Gently press the ingredients together to allow the flavors to meld visually; serve immediately to preserve freshness and crispness.
- Optionally, drizzle with a light squeeze of lemon or fresh herbs for added aroma, if desired.1 large cucumber
Notes
Maybe next week I’ll add mint or toasted almonds, make it a bit fancier. Or just keep it simple. Because yeah, sometimes the best ideas are the ones that hit you in the middle of a messy kitchen, no plan, just the urge to throw stuff together and see what sticks.