I’m joining The Novel Bakers
for Beatrix Potter (and Bunny) Week!
Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
hopped from the pages of
The Beatrix Potter Country Cooking Book.
The Beatrix Potter Country Cooking Book
by
Inspired by the works of Beatrix Potter and her own love of traditional cookery, it is divided into 11 sections, each containing a wide variety of recipes: starters, fish, meat, poultry and game, eggs and cheese, salads and vegetables, puddings, cakes and bread, drinks and sweets and preserves. The author talked to professional cooks working in the region where Beatrix Potter lived and many residents who have memories of her.
I was skeptical at first about pairing cucumbers with strawberries, but was pleasantly surprised at the wonderful combination for a light and fresh salad for the spring or summer!
I made a little change substituting white balsamic vinegar for the dry white wine in the recipe, and arranged the strawberries and cucumber slices in rows and borders to be neatly razed and devastated by hungry and industrious bunnies. . .
Cucumber and Strawberry Salad
1 large cucumber (I used English/seedless, if using American use two)
Strawberries, 8 – 12 ounces
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Sprinkle of sugar (a couple of teaspoons)
3 – 4 tablespoons of white balsamic vinegar
Sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs, mint, tarragon or basil (I used mint)
Violas for garnish
Peel cucumber if desired before thinly slicing. Slice strawberries, arrange in alternate circles in rows in shallow serving dish.
Season with salt, pepper, sugar. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the berries and cucumber and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Chill well. Garnish with violas, pansies, nasturtiums or other edible flowers (pesticide and chemical free) before serving if desired.
Printable Recipe
I’m joining The Novel Bakers
for Beatrix Potter Week. . .
Visit Jain and Michael Lee
for more Bunny/Beatrix Potter fun:
a quiet life
Rattlebridge Farm
Visit with us all week for more Beatrix Potter and Easter inspiration!
You can follow along on Pinterest and find all the recipes and bunny inspiration, here.
I would have never thought to put cucumbers and strawberries together…always looking for great “salads” as this…so off to make it this week…the presentation is fabulous as always…and the platter is perfect!…
Love this series!!
Totally gorgeous and much to pretty to eat! A rainbow feast for the eyes, and your bunny platter couldn’t be more adorable Mary! I agree, cucumbers and strawberries seem an odd couple, but they certainly look beautiful together! Party perfect and oh so spring! The bunnies are certain to enjoy!
Jenna
Your work is beautiful!!!!
I would like to repost the Beatrix Potter series on the Spirit of Pistoulet Facebook page with your permission.
Best,
Jana Kolpen
Thanks so much Jana, post away :)
LOVELY! Now, where in the world did you find that green bunny tablecloth?
Ooh Mary, the salad is so colorful and assembled so artistically! I want to dive right in and take a bite. The platter and tablecloth are wonderful additions to your table. xo
Two of my favorite things: cucumber and strawberry and I never thought to combine the two. I’ll be a happy bunny trying out this recipe! Love the bunny platter …(Arthur Court?).
Hi Snap, Yes Arthur Court :)
The colors are a treat for the eye. A work of art! And healthy too. A very inspired dish. Gives new meaning to the term “rabbit food”.
You must have the patience of a Saint to arrange those berries so beautifully! SO pretty! It is so true that we first eat with our eyes!
Salad looks to pretty to eat! And surely tastee. The combination seems different but I’m sure it is yummy!🍓
Your platter is perfect for your salad today. You artfully arranged the strawberries and cucumbers that are so colorful and pretty it immediately makes me want a large serving.
Your Peter Rabbit photos are more colorful than the book I have. I am enjoying reading the stories to the grandkids and even shared your posts.
oh what a darling take on this salad, rows neatly razed and devastated… BRILLIANT! I SO LOVE THIS! your bunny platter could not be any cuter, gosh its sooooooooooooo darn fun to watch everyone play, i get mesmerized with the details!
balsamic is a good choice, i loved the tarragon but i am sure mint would be perfect too, i adore that combo in salads.
such a cute bunny cloth too, its all in the details and girl you hopped this right out of the garden, a total winner!
This is such a great series, I am loving all the great inspiration! Your salad sounds good, I never would have thought of that pairing! The platter is gorgeous!
What a gorgeous salad. Too pretty to eat.
What a clever presentation! I’m making this salad tonight. It looks so refreshing! Gorgeous as always, Mary.
Cucumbers seem to be like kale and cauliflower these days…..they go in or with everything. I like that the novel bakers have chosen to honor Beatrix Potter.
Another hit! I keep waiting for your book!!!
Yum! I haven’t picked up any strawberries yet this year,but I’m ready to:@)
Mary, I can’t wait for strawberry season now after seeing this salad. Your design is totally different from Mlee’s and yet they are both gorgeous and tempting. Wouldn’t it be fun if all of blogland made this? Looking forward to tomorrow’s posts!! Linda
Mary, your salad is as beautiful and intricate as a hand-sewn quilt, with a pattern that delights the senses. Absolutely stunning photos! Your addition of white balsamic vinegar is perfect. I’m enjoying your commentary about BP. See you tomorrow, my dear! xx
Mary, I would never have thought to pair cucumbers with strawberries, but you’ve made it look so delicious. So now I’ve got to try it. Leo just commented tonight that a local strawberry farm had berries for sale today!
Mary, I am always delighted to read your blog. I believe we are kindred spirits. I too live on a lake and life simply got better for me once I moved here. You truly inspire me to live my life as it was always intended to be. keep up the good work and look for my blog sometime soon. Thank you!
Kym
I just hosted “bunnies in the garden” themed bunco party and served this beautiful platter of cucumber-strawberries. Cell phones were snapping pictures and notes taken, several ladies plan to add it to their Easter dinner menu. Thank you again for another delicious delight!