Strawberry Cucumber Salad Food

STRAWBERRY CUCUMBER SALAD

Steps:

• Peel cukes. Slice in half lengthwise. If seeded, remove with teaspoon. Cut cukes across into 1/4 inch slices. Place in colander. Sprinkle with salt and toss. Allow to drain about 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water to remove salt. Spread out on paper towels and pat dry.
• Place berries and cukes in bowl and chill.
• Whisk brown sugar, soy, and vinegar together until smooth. Set aside.
• When ready to serve salad, pour sesame oil and dressing over and toss.

STRAWBERRY-CUCUMBER WATER

Steps:

• Place 8 ounces stemmed and thinly sliced strawberries and 1/2 thinly sliced English cucumber in a pitcher. For still infused water, add 2 quarts of water. For sparkling water, add 1 quart of seltzer during prep and a second quart just before serving. Refrigerate 2 to 4 hours to allow the ingredients to infuse. Stir well and strain, discarding the solids. For serving, add fresh strawberries and cucumber slices for garnish and plenty of ice. The infused water will keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

STRAWBERRY, CUCUMBER AND MELON SALAD

Steps:

• Combine the onion, strawberries, cucumber, cantaloupe and dill in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Let stand until the cucumber is juicy, about 10 minutes.
• Add the spinach and vinaigrette to the bowl, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
• Whisk 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and a few grinds of pepper in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in 2/3 cup olive oil, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth. Add more salt and pepper to taste. (Makes about 1 cup.)

STRAWBERRY-CUCUMBER SALAD WITH LEMON CREAM

Steps:

• Toss 4 cups quartered hulled strawberries (from 1 pound whole), 3 sliced Persian cucumbers, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl and let sit 10 minutes to allow sugar to dissolve and flavors to meld.
• Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup crème fraîche, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl; set lemon cream aside.
• Pulse 1/4 cup unsalted, roasted pistachios, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt in a food processor until nuts are just finely ground (do not overprocess or you'll end up with nut butter).
• Divide fruit salad among plates and spoon some of the reserved lemon cream over; sprinkle with ground seasoned pistachios.
• Do Ahead
• Lemon cream can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and chill.

STRAWBERRY, CUCUMBER & HONEYDEW SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine strawberries, cucumber and honeydew. Chill until serving., In a small bowl, whisk the remaining ingredients. Just before serving, drizzle over strawberry mixture; toss gently to coat.