Cucumber Grape Salad with Creamy Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing

The side dish conundrum.

I don’t know why, but picking the best side dish to perfectly accompany the main entree always stumps people. This was one thing that was pretty unanimous when I did an official unofficial survey of all you readers a few months ago. You said it loud and clear: “More side dish recipes!” and “Vegetable side dishes are my weakness!” and “My favorite posts are… side dishes.”

Truth be told, I get stumped with side dishes too! If I am spending a lot of time on the main dish, I don’t want to have to put a lot of effort into the sides. Because of this I feel like I get into a side dish rut… always serving the same things like simple side salads, rice, potatoes in some for or fashion, or broccoli.

Since you all have asked for more main dish and side dish recipes, I have really been trying to push myself to break out of the dinner rut that has plagued my kitchen for the past couple of months. It has been so good for my soul, and of course our tummies, to get into the kitchen and play and try new things! : ) I am so excited to share some of these new recipes with you, to help give you inspiration in the kitchen as well.

Today’s recipe is an easy and refreshing salad that would be a perfect summer snack or side dish for lunch or dinner. It would also be the perfect side a for festive summer brunch, or other summer entertaining, especially since it can be made in advance! I loved the different textures of this Cucumber Grape Salad with Creamy Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing! Crisp cucumbers, juicy sweet grapes and plump grape tomatoes; paired with a creamy strawberry dressing this simple side salad just screams summer!

One Year Ago: Homemade Pigs In A Blanket (a.k.a Hogs in a Quilt) 
Two Years Ago: Peach Crisp Oatmeal
Three Years Ago: Grilled Paradise Pork Chops and In Season: Mangoes
Four Years Ago: Asian Noodles
Five Years Ago: Hearty Bolognese Sauce

Cucumber Grape Salad with Creamy Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing
Printable Version 
Prep Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

Creamy Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
3-4 tablespoons strawberry jam 

2 teaspoons poppy seeds
¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper

Cucumber Grape Salad: 
2 cups red grapes
2 cups English cucumbers, sliced
2 cups grape tomatoes, halved

Directions:

Dressing: 
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.

Salad:
Combine the grapes, cucumbers, and tomatoes in a large bowl . Add prepared Strawberry Poppy Seed Dressing a little at a time, stirring until fruit is evenly coated.

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Note: Salad can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

Serving Suggestions: Serve this salad as a light summer snack or side dish for lunch (Spicy Southwestern Turkey Panini)  or dinner (Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken). It would also be the perfect side for brunch (Breakfast Style Egg Salad Sandwiches).  

Adapted from Oh Sweet Basil

Other recipes you might enjoy:
Creamy Fruit Salad
Peach Pie Fruit Salad
Festive Fall Salad
Cool Cucumber Salad
Christmas Fruit Salad