This Crunchy Cucumber Apple Salad is a refreshing mix of cool cucumbers and sweet apples, making it perfect for any meal. Toss in some nuts for a fun crunch!
The fresh dressing really brings everything together. I love how easy it is to whip up this salad—just chop, mix, and enjoy! It’s a colorful choice that’s hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use medium cucumbers, like English cucumbers—they’re super crunchy. If they’re not available, pick pickling cucumbers for a similar texture.
Apples: Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Fuji brings sweetness. If you’re after something more off-beat, try Honeycrisp or Gala apples.
Celery: This adds extra crunch but feel free to skip it if you’re not a celery fan. You can replace it with bell pepper for some sweetness or even shredded carrots for color!
Nuts: Walnuts give a lovely flavor, but pecans or almonds work just as well. If you prefer a nut-free option, sunflower seeds are a great choice!
Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro brightens the dish. You can easily swap them for mint for a refreshing twist!
How Do I Make the Dressing Smooth and Creamy?
The dressing brings everything together and can be adjusted to your taste. First, mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- If you like it creamier, add the optional mayonnaise. It gives the dressing a rich texture.
- Use honey for sweetness or maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Adjust the vinegar or lemon juice to suit your taste; more will give it a zing!
- Season with salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go.
Toss the dressing with the salad ingredients gently, so everything is coated but not bruised. Chill before serving for the best flavor!
Crunchy Cucumber Apple Salad with Fresh Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced (optional for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced (optional)
- 1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus an optional chilling time of 15-20 minutes if you want the flavors to mingle. It’s quick to assemble and makes for a refreshing side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit:
Start by washing the cucumbers and apples thoroughly. Then, thinly slice the cucumbers and apples so they blend nicely in the salad. If you choose to include celery and red onion, slice those too.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced cucumbers, apples, celery, red onion, and chopped walnuts or pecans. This blend of crunchy textures is what makes the salad special!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), honey or maple syrup, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and Dijon mustard. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy, then season it with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss the Salad:
Pour the fresh dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
5. Garnish and Chill:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Then, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is optional but will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Serve:
Once chilled, serve your salad as a refreshing side dish or light snack. Enjoy this delightful combination of crunchy cucumbers and sweet apples—that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Enjoy this crisp and flavorful salad that perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and crunch!
FAQ for Crunchy Cucumber Apple Salad with Fresh Dressing
Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are great choices, you can also use almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain that crunchy texture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit the mayonnaise. You can still achieve creaminess with just the yogurt and a touch of extra maple syrup for sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumbers and apples may soften a little, but the flavors will still be delicious. Just give it a good stir before eating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, or raisins for added sweetness. Just be sure to keep an eye on the balance of flavors so the salad remains refreshing!
