If you’re searching for the ultimate way to refresh your palate and brighten your table, look no further than Apple Cucumber Salad. This dish is a celebration of crisp, juicy apples, snappy cucumbers, and garden-fresh herbs, all brought together with a zesty, sweet-tart dressing. It’s the kind of salad that’s as easy to love as it is to make, perfect for lazy lunches, speedy sides, or taking along to picnics. Each bite is a burst of flavor and crunch, making it a delightful choice for anyone wanting a light yet satisfying addition to their meal.

Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this Apple Cucumber Salad is how it lets each ingredient shine. Every component adds its own special color, crunch, or zing, and when they’re all tossed together, the result is pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:

2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, thinly sliced): These bring juicy sweetness and a beautiful crunch that’s totally irresistible.
1 large cucumber (thinly sliced or halved lengthwise and sliced): Refreshing and mild, cucumber adds a cool, hydrating bite that balances the apples perfectly.
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced): A touch of sharpness from red onion livens up the salad and adds a pop of color.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley: Fresh herbs lend a burst of green and a fragrant, uplifting finish.
2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar: The acidity in the dressing brightens everything up and prevents the apples from browning.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the dressing cling to every slice.
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Just a hint of natural sweetness marries the flavors together.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.

How to Make Apple Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prep the Fruits and Veggies

Start by thinly slicing your apples and cucumber. If you love a bit of extra texture, leave the skin on the apples. For the cucumber, you can either slice it into rounds or halve it lengthwise and then slice for pretty half-moons. Thinly slice your red onion and chop up your chosen fresh herbs. Pop all these into a large bowl and toss them together gently.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together your lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar), olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), plus a pinch of salt and a little black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. If you’re using a jar, give it a good shake with the lid on for a perfectly emulsified dressing.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour your zingy dressing over the apple, cucumber, onion, and herb mixture. Using clean hands or salad tongs, toss everything gently to ensure the dressing coats each piece evenly. Take care not to bruise the apples—you want them to stay crisp and pretty.

Step 4: Chill or Serve Fresh

You can serve the Apple Cucumber Salad right away for maximum crunch, or pop it in the refrigerator for up to an hour if you prefer it nicely chilled. The flavors mingle even more as it sits, making it wonderfully refreshing for hot days or as a make-ahead side.

How to Serve Apple Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine. Sprinkle on some toasted walnuts or almonds for a nutty crunch, or add extra fresh herbs for color and aroma. A little lemon zest grated on top is a lovely way to enhance the salad’s citrus notes.

Side Dishes

This salad is a dream next to grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple omelet. It also holds its own as part of a picnic spread with sandwiches, quiches, or grain bowls. The light, crisp flavors balance out richer dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Apple Cucumber Salad in individual glasses or jars for a fun, portable picnic treat. For parties, spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves or pile it onto crostini for a refreshing appetizer. It even makes a gorgeous topping for avocado toast or grain salads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Apple Cucumber Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and crisp for about 1 to 2 days. The apples might soften a bit, but the flavors become even more harmonious.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. The fresh, crisp texture of the apples and cucumber doesn’t survive well in the freezer, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

Since Apple Cucumber Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples or cucumbers?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are fantastic for their crunch and sweetness, feel free to experiment with your favorites. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers also work well if you prefer fewer seeds.

Is Apple Cucumber Salad vegan?

Yes, it can be! Just use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing to make this salad completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

How can I make this salad more filling?

If you want to turn Apple Cucumber Salad into a meal, add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken. You can also toss in feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra protein and richness.

Will the apples turn brown?

The lemon juice or vinegar in the dressing helps keep the apples from browning for several hours. For best appearance, serve the salad soon after making or toss the apples with a bit of lemon juice right after slicing.

What herbs pair best with this salad?

Mint and parsley are both wonderful, but you can also try fresh basil, cilantro, or even a little dill if you want to mix up the flavors. The herbs add an extra layer of freshness that keeps the salad lively.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cucumber Salad is more than just a quick side—it’s a joyful, feel-good dish that brightens any meal. If you’re looking for a new staple to add to your fresh recipe rotation, give this one a try. I promise, once you taste that first bite, you’ll be looking for any excuse to make it again and again!

Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

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Description

A refreshing and crisp Apple Cucumber Salad combining sweet apples, cool cucumber, and tangy dressing, perfect as a light lunch or picnic side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, thinly sliced)
1 large cucumber (thinly sliced or halved lengthwise and sliced)
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint or parsley

Dressing Ingredients

2 tablespoons lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, cucumber, red onion, and fresh mint or parsley to create the base of the salad.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece is lightly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to enjoy a chilled, crisp version of the salad.