Name: Apple Cucumber Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Global
Ingredients: 2 medium apples, thinly sliced; 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

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A refreshing and light salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet apples, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, perfect for a summer meal or a healthy snack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cucumber Salad combines the perfect balance of sweet and crisp flavors with minimal effort. It's an excellent option for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. The simple vinaigrette brings all the ingredients together while keeping the natural flavors at the forefront. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, providing a good dose of vitamins and fiber. It's naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly (with maple syrup), and low in calories, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples bring a delightful sweetness and crunch to this salad. They provide a nice contrast to the cucumber and add a pleasant fruity dimension. You can use any variety - Honeycrisp and Gala offer sweetness, while Granny Smith provides a tart contrast.

Cucumber offers a refreshing, hydrating crunch that makes this salad so cooling and pleasant. English or Persian cucumbers work best as they have thinner skins and fewer seeds, but regular garden cucumbers are perfectly fine too - just consider peeling them if the skin is thick.

Lemon juice adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning. It also forms the acidic component of the vinaigrette. Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.

Olive oil creates the base for the dressing, adding richness and helping the flavors cling to the vegetables. Use extra virgin for the best flavor, though any olive oil you have will work.

Honey or maple syrup balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness. This small amount makes a big difference in rounding out the flavors of the dressing. Maple syrup keeps the recipe vegan if that's important to you.

Salt and pepper are simple but essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don't skip these - they wake up the taste of the cucumber and apple.

Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a pop of color and fresh flavor. They're optional but highly recommended for adding another dimension to the salad. Mint would also work beautifully if you have it on hand.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples and cucumbers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the apples and cucumbers, tossing to coat evenly.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 2 servings, making it perfect for a light lunch for two or as a side dish for a small dinner. The entire preparation takes just 10 minutes with no cooking required, making it an ideal quick meal option. Each serving contains approximately 80 calories, making it a guilt-free addition to any meal.

Variations

Add Protein: Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, a hard-boiled egg, or chickpeas.

Mediterranean Version: Include some crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and red onion for a Mediterranean twist.

Asian-Inspired: Swap the lemon juice for rice vinegar and add a touch of sesame oil and sesame seeds.

Nutty Crunch: Add toasted walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and nutritional value.

Spicy Kick: Incorporate thinly sliced jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes for heat lovers.

Fruity Additions: Try adding berries, pomegranate seeds, or orange segments for more fruity flavors.

Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs like dill, basil, or mint for varied flavor profiles.

Storage/Reheating

This Apple Cucumber Salad is best enjoyed fresh, as both apples and cucumbers will release water over time, which can make the salad soggy. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

If you want to prepare components ahead of time, slice the cucumber and prepare the dressing up to a day in advance. Slice the apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them with a bit of extra lemon juice if preparing slightly ahead.

This salad does not require reheating as it's meant to be enjoyed cold.

FAQs

How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent oxidation. If you're preparing the ingredients ahead of time, toss the sliced apples in a bit of lemon juice immediately after cutting them.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this salad up to an hour ahead and refrigerate it. For longer preparation, keep the ingredients and dressing separate until ready to serve.

What are the best apples to use for this salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Gala work beautifully. For a more tart flavor, Granny Smith is excellent. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious.

Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey. It's also low in calories and rich in nutrients.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced red onion, radishes, or bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just keep in mind that the simplicity is part of the charm.

How thin should I slice the apples and cucumbers?

Aim for slices about ⅛ inch thick. Using a mandoline can help achieve consistent, thin slices, but a sharp knife works well too.

Can I use a different dressing?

While the simple lemon vinaigrette complements the ingredients perfectly, you could substitute with a light vinaigrette of your choice. Avoid creamy or heavy dressings that might overpower the fresh flavors.

What can I serve with this Apple Cucumber Salad?

This versatile salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a larger salad spread. It's particularly nice alongside spicy dishes as a cooling counterpoint.

How can I turn this into a main dish?

Add a protein source like grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or chickpeas, and perhaps some avocado for healthy fats to create a complete meal.

Why is my salad watery after sitting?

Both cucumbers and apples release water naturally. To reduce this, you can salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry before combining with other ingredients.

Conclusion

This Apple Cucumber Salad exemplifies how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. The combination of sweet apples and refreshing cucumbers, dressed in a light vinaigrette, makes for a versatile dish that works as a side, a light lunch, or even a palate cleanser between courses. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – it lets the natural flavors of the ingredients shine while providing a nutritious addition to any meal. Whether you're looking for a quick summer salad or a healthy snack, this recipe delivers both flavor and freshness with minimal effort.

Apple Cucumber Salad

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

A refreshing and light salad featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet apples, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, perfect for a summer meal or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

2 medium apples, thinly sliced

1 large cucumber, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and cucumbers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the apples and cucumbers, tossing to coat evenly.
If desired, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.