If you are craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delightful dish, this Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe will become your new go-to. Imagine the crisp snap of English cucumbers mingling with tart, juicy apples, all brought together by a luscious yogurt-based dressing that’s brightened with lemon and apple cider vinegar. This salad is packed with layers of texture and a harmony of flavors that dance on your palate — perfect for a light lunch or an eye-catching side. Ready to make a salad that’s as nourishing as it is beautiful? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for flavor but also for texture and color, creating a salad that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to your taste buds.
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced: Their cool crunch is the refreshing base of the salad.
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced: Adds a sweet-tart bite that complements the cucumbers perfectly.
- 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion: Offers a subtle zing and vibrant color contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill: Imparts a delicate herbal note that lifts the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh, green flavor.
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt: Provides creamy tanginess that balances the crisp ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Enriches the dressing with smooth richness.
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Injects a zesty acidity that sharpens the overall taste.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Brings a touch of natural sweetness to mellow the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Offers a bright citrus kick for an added layer of freshness.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness and acidity.
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and spice to complete the dressing.
How to Make Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Start by thinly slicing the cucumbers and apples. Using thin slices ensures every bite is light and crisp while allowing the dressing to coat each piece evenly. Toss together the cucumbers, apples, red onion, dill, and parsley in a large mixing bowl so all the fresh flavors can mingle from the start.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing is the magic that brings all the fresh ingredients together, giving the salad a luscious tang with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and apple mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every slice is evenly coated. This ensures that the dressing envelops the crisp textures and fresh herbs, creating a perfect harmony of flavor.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can chill the salad for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully, but if you’re craving maximum crunch, serve it right away. This flexibility makes it a fantastic last-minute dish or a prepped side ready to shine at any gathering.
How to Serve Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle a few fresh dill sprigs or chopped parsley on top just before serving. A handful of toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds adds delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or pork chops, as its fresh acidity cuts through richer flavors beautifully. It also stands on its own as a light yet satisfying lunch, especially on warm days when you want something refreshing without turning on the stove.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual clear glasses or small bowls to showcase the colorful layers of cucumber, apple, and herbs. Alternatively, stuff it into lettuce cups for a fun finger food option or spoon it over toasted rustic bread for a quick, crunchy open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight, but keep in mind the salad may soften as the dressing interacts with the cucumber and apples. Best enjoyed within 1-2 days for originality of crunch.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content of cucumbers and apples, which would become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, making it a quick grab-and-go option that never requires heating.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type of apple for Honeycrisp or Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples add that perfect balance of sweet and tart, feel free to use any crisp apple variety you love. Just be mindful that sweeter apples will change the salad’s flavor profile slightly.
How do I make this Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo. This will retain the creamy texture while keeping the salad vegan-friendly.
Is it okay to prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! Preparing it a short while ahead helps the flavors blend, though for best texture, make it no more than a few hours before serving so the cucumbers and apples stay crisp.
Can I add other ingredients to make the salad more filling?
Definitely! Adding toasted nuts, seeds, or even some crumbled feta cheese can elevate the salad into a heartier dish without losing its fresh character.
What type of vinegar works best in this salad?
Apple cider vinegar is ideal because it complements the apples and adds a fruity acidity, but white wine vinegar or rice vinegar can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe enough for anyone who appreciates simple ingredients coming together in a truly delicious way. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and has that irresistible crunch you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Grab those cucumbers and apples, and give this refreshing salad a whirl — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad combines the refreshing crispness of cucumbers and apples with a creamy, tangy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a hint of sweetness from honey or maple syrup, this easy no-cook salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 large English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dressing:
- 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, apples, red onion, chopped dill, and parsley. Ensure the slices are uniform to allow even distribution of flavors and texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and apple mixture. Gently toss the ingredients to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate apple slices.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Alternatively, serve immediately to maximize the crisp crunch of the fresh produce.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives such as coconut yogurt and vegan mayo.
- This salad pairs excellently with grilled meats, making it a perfect summer side dish.
- Can be served as a light, refreshing lunch on its own.
- Use crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
