Vibrant Cucumber Salad with Blueberries Recipe

Zesty Cucumber & Blueberry Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Joy!

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing cucumber salad that surprises with its unexpected blueberry twist.

This light and zesty cucumber salad with blueberries combines crisp vegetables and sweet-tart berries in a delightful medley.

Fresh cucumber slices mingle with plump blueberries, creating a colorful plate that catches everyone’s eye.

Tangy herbs and a bright vinaigrette bring depth to each refreshing bite.

The cool crunch of cucumber perfectly balances the burst of blueberry sweetness.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant side dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this delectable summer salad that promises to be the star of any meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Cucumber Salad with Blueberries

For Dressing:
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing ingredients.
  • Lime Juice: Provides tangy brightness and balances the sweetness.
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture and carries flavor throughout the salad.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and brings out ingredient nuances.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the dressing.
For Salad Base:
  • Cucumber: Crisp, refreshing base that provides hydrating crunch and light texture.
  • Blueberries: Introduces burst of sweet-tart flavor and beautiful purple color.
  • Red Onion: Offers sharp, zesty bite that complements the sweeter ingredients.
  • Fresh Herbs: Brings aromatic freshness and additional layer of complexity.
For Garnish:
  • Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that adds rich, tangy contrast to the fresh salad.

Tools to Slice, Toss, and Chill Cucumber Blueberry Salad

  • Small Bowl or Jar: Perfect for whisking together the zesty dressing ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper smoothly.
  • Large Bowl: Needed to mix cucumber, blueberries, red onion, and herbs.
  • Cutting Board: Great for slicing cucumber and chopping herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning and dressing preparation.

How to Make This Salad with Sweet-Savory Balance

  • Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

Grab a small bowl and blend honey, tangy lime juice, silky olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper until they dance together smoothly.

  • Toss Fresh Ingredients

Slice crisp cucumbers into delicate rounds, scatter plump blueberries, sprinkle finely chopped red onion, and scatter vibrant herbs into a large mixing bowl.

  • Marry the Flavors

Drizzle the bright dressing over the colorful ingredients and softly fold everything together, ensuring each piece gets a loving coating.

  • Finish with Flair

Crumble creamy feta cheese on top for an extra burst of deliciousness if you’re feeling indulgent.

  • Chill and Savor

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify before serving this refreshing summer treat.

Fresh Herbs and Vinaigrettes That Pair Well Here

  • Select firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots for the best texture and flavor in your salad.
  • Mix different fresh herbs like mint, basil, or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the blueberries and cucumber.
  • Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to maintain the salad's crunchiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use agave nectar for a different sweetness level. Replace feta with nutritional yeast or toasted nuts for dairy-free alternatives.
  • For an extra refreshing twist, freeze some blueberries and add them directly to the salad to create a chilled, vibrant eating experience.

Serving Ideas for Cucumber Salad at Summer Tables

  • Summer Picnic Perfection: Pack this refreshing salad in a mason jar for a gorgeous portable lunch at outdoor gatherings or beach trips.
  • Gourmet Appetizer Twist: Serve on small appetizer plates with toothpicks as a stunning starter for dinner parties, garnished with extra fresh herbs.
  • Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled goat cheese to transform this light salad into a complete and satisfying meal with extra protein and texture.
  • Brunch Companion: Pair alongside frittatas, quiches, or weekend breakfast spreads for a cool, crisp complement that brings bright flavors to the morning table.

Keep This Salad Cool and Crisp in Storage

  • Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavor fusion and crisp texture.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping herbs and dressing separate to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
  • Slice cucumbers and chop herbs just before mixing to retain maximum crunch and vibrant green color.
  • Keep dressing in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing quick salad assembly whenever hunger strikes.
Print
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Vibrant Cucumber Salad with Blueberries Recipe

Vibrant Cucumber Salad with Blueberries Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Summer’s refreshing cucumber salad with blueberries dances between crisp and sweet, balancing tangy feta and zesty mint. Cool Mediterranean flavors invite you to savor each delightful, colorful bite of this quick, elegant dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 cups (500 mL) thinly sliced English cucumber (or Persian cucumbers)
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a savory twist)
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) chopped fresh mint or basil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 ½ tbsps (22 mL) honey
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Dressing Preparation: Vigorously whisk honey, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small container until smooth and well-integrated.
  2. Salad Assembly: Layer sliced cucumber, vibrant blueberries, thinly sliced red onion, and freshly chopped herbs into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a colorful and textural foundation.
  3. Flavor Fusion: Pour prepared dressing over the salad components, gently folding and tossing to ensure each ingredient is delicately coated with the zesty vinaigrette.
  4. Final Garnish: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the surface, adding a creamy and tangy dimension to the refreshing salad.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cucumber blueberry salad for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify, then serve chilled as a crisp and invigorating side dish.

Notes

  • Use a sharp knife to create thin, uniform cucumber slices for even flavor distribution and elegant presentation.
  • Adjust honey quantity based on blueberry ripeness to prevent overwhelming the fresh ingredients’ natural taste.
  • Choose soft herbs like mint or basil that complement the cucumber’s coolness and blueberries’ sweet-tart profile.
  • Let salad rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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