Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your strawberries and cucumbers. Hull the strawberries and slice them into quarters or halves. Slice cucumbers thinly into rounds or half-moons and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

In a small bowl or jar, combine the lemon juice or balsamic vinegar with honey or maple syrup. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust for sweetness or acidity.

Gently add the sliced cucumbers and strawberries to the large mixing bowl, along with any optional fresh herbs. If using cheese, crumble feta or goat cheese over the top.

Drizzle about half of your homemade dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly without crushing the tender strawberries.

Transfer your Cucumber Strawberry Salad to a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds. Serve immediately.