If you’re craving a vibrant, crunchy, and totally refreshing dish, Apple Cucumber Salad is about to become your new go-to. This salad bursts with juicy apples, cool cucumbers, zippy red onions, and a sprinkle of parsley, all tossed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It absolutely shines as a light lunch or a crisp, palate-cleansing side—delivering a medley of colors, textures, and bright flavors that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, potluck, or an easy weekday meal, this Apple Cucumber Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’ll disappear faster than you think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is—each item adds its own special personality, from crunch to freshness to tang. Don’t worry if you’re new to salads like this; every ingredient works together to create that irresistible Apple Cucumber Salad flavor!
- Cucumbers: Bring the ultimate juicy crunch; peeling them keeps the salad delicate and bright.
- Crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Lend a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with cucumbers.
- Red onion: Adds a pop of color and a gentle zing; slicing it thin keeps the flavor balanced and not overpowering.
- Fresh parsley: Gives a garden-fresh note and a pretty speckle of green throughout the salad.
- Olive oil: Serves as the creamy, silky base for the vinaigrette and helps unify all the flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a pleasant tang and complements the apples beautifully.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing just enough to balance out the tart and sharp notes.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing for a silky finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything and making the vibrant flavors sing.
How to Make Apple Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by peeling the cucumbers (if you’d like a softer crunch), then slice them thinly—aim for uniform pieces so every bite is satisfying. Core and thinly slice your apples; leaving the skin on adds a pop of color and extra fiber. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the parsley, which will brighten up the entire bowl.
Step 2: Make the Zesty Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture looks creamy and smooth—it should taste tangy, slightly sweet, and full of zip. Take a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you’d like extra sweetness or acidity.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Place the cucumbers, apples, red onion, and parsley into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently with large spoons or clean hands. Be careful not to mash the apples or cucumbers—you want those crisp textures to shine. Everything should get evenly coated in the vinaigrette.
Step 4: Let Flavors Mingle (Optional)
If you have the time, pop the assembled Apple Cucumber Salad in the fridge for 15–20 minutes. This short chill lets the flavors meld into one another and brings out even more brightness—plus, the salad will be extra refreshing when served cold.
How to Serve Apple Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, sprinkle the salad with toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds right before serving—these add crunch and a lovely, nutty flavor. Another trick: swap the parsley for fresh mint to give your Apple Cucumber Salad a cool, aromatic pop. A pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of lemon zest can also make the whole bowl taste and look extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with a variety of mains. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light, balanced meal, or pile it next to roasted vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian spread. Apple Cucumber Salad is also fantastic with sandwiches, especially those packed with cheese or turkey, since the freshness cuts through richer flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Apple Cucumber Salad into a show-stopping starter by piling it high on a large platter with extra apple slices forming a pretty border. Or serve it in individual mason jars for picnics and lunchboxes—a fun, portable twist! For parties, scoop the salad into small lettuce cups to create finger-friendly, bite-sized hors d’oeuvres.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep the Apple Cucumber Salad tasting as fresh as possible, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will hold up beautifully for a day, though the apples may soften slightly. If you’re making it ahead, consider adding the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch.
Freezing
This isn’t a salad that does well in the freezer, unfortunately. The cucumbers and apples tend to become watery and mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy Apple Cucumber Salad fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat—this Apple Cucumber Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the best crispness and flavor. Just give it a gentle toss if the dressing has settled at the bottom before serving again.
FAQs
Can I make Apple Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the fresh ingredients and whisk the dressing up to a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and toss everything together when you’re ready to serve for that perfect crunch.
What’s the best type Salad
Crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal—they hold their shape well and offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart notes. Feel free to experiment with your favorites if you like things sweeter or a bit more tangy!
Can I substitute the parsley?
Definitely! Fresh mint is a fantastic swap for parsley, and it makes the Apple Cucumber Salad feel even fresher. Other options could include cilantro or basil, depending on your tastes or what you have on hand.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Add a scoop of diced, cooked chicken, chickpeas, or even crumbled feta cheese for a heartier version. Toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds are also great for a plant-based protein boost and extra crunch.
Is Apple Cucumber Salad suitable for special diets?
Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free. As long as you use plant-based honey or another sweetener, it can also fit into vegan diets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Cucumber Salad enough—it’s a joyful mix of fresh flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try the next time you want something crisp, colorful, and delightfully simple; you just might find your new favorite salad!
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Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Apple Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy side dish or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
Apples:
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
Red Onion:
- 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Parsley:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, apples, red onion, and parsley.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds before serving.
- You can swap parsley for fresh mint for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
