This refreshing cucumber apple salad is perfect for hot summer days! With crisp cucumbers and sweet apples, it’s light, crunchy, and bursting with flavor.
Drizzle some tangy dressing on top, and you’ve got a simple side dish that brightens up any meal. I love enjoying this salad with grilled meats—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add crunch and hydration. English cucumbers are great for this salad as they have fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work too. You can use pickling cucumbers if that’s what you have.
Apples: Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness, while Fuji apples add sweetness. You can mix different types of apples for varied flavor and texture. If you’re avoiding apples, consider using pears for a similar crunch!
Red Onion: This ingredient gives sharpness to the salad. If red onion is too strong for you, try green onions or shallots instead. They provide a milder taste.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent substitutes for a similar texture.
How Do I Make the Dressing Stick to My Salad?
The dressing is key to bringing all the flavors together. To make sure it sticks well, emulsifying is important. Here’s how:
- Whisk the lemon juice, vinegar, honey, and olive oil until they blend well. This lets the oil mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Drizzle it over your salad mixture, making sure everything is covered.
- Let it sit for a little while. This step allows the flavors to blend, and the cucumbers will release some water, helping the dressing coat everything even better.
With these tips and ingredients, you’ll create a delicious fresh cucumber apple salad that’s perfect for summer! Enjoy a refreshing moment!
Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), thinly sliced or julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes slicing and mixing, and then just let the flavors come together for a perfect summer side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Add the thinly sliced cucumbers, apples, red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl. If you decided to use nuts, toss them in too for extra crunch!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, mix together the fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and olive oil. Use a whisk or fork to blend them well until the dressing looks smooth and combined. This step helps everything stick together when you pour it over the salad.
3. Combine the Salad with the Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and apple mixture. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or large spoon, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Season and Let It Rest:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give the salad one last gentle toss. Now, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors mingle beautifully!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
After the salad has rested, it’s ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it the perfect side dish for any summer meal. Enjoy the refreshing flavors!
Can I Use Other Types of Dressing?
Absolutely! While the lemon and apple cider vinegar dressing complements the salad beautifully, you can use a ready-made vinaigrette, Greek yogurt dressing, or even a honey mustard dressing for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it balances well with the sweet and tangy notes from the apples and cucumbers!
What Are Some Good Substitutions for Apples?
If you’re not a fan of apples or want to change it up, pears are a fantastic alternative since they offer a similar sweetness and crunch. You can also use mangoes for a tropical twist, or even jicama for a crisp, refreshing flavor. Just keep in mind that flavors and textures will differ slightly!
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately and combine it with the salad right before serving. This helps maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and apples.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time (minus the dressing) and store them in the fridge. Just remember to toss in the dressing shortly before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. You can also make the dressing a day ahead; just give it a good shake before using!
