How to Make Strawberries, Fennel, and Cucumber Salad

While traveling down South with my son, he requested a stop at Cracker Barrel for their mashed potatoes (which he is wild about). They had a salad that day of strawberries and cucumbers. It surprised the heck out of me, but the proof is always in the eating, and the combination of crunch and sweetness was terrific. When I got back to New York, I played around with this unlikely combination. Basil and fennel boost the fresh flavor and crisp texture here. I’m fond of a glass of wheat beer to wash this down, but there’s nothing wrong with Pinot Grigio or a Cheval both wines that are just as crisp as the fennel and cukes.