This Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad is a vibrant and incredibly easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a delightful blend of cool crunch and subtle sweetness that complements a wide range of meals.
Key Ingredients for Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 2 medium crisp apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad
This Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad is a dream to prepare, taking mere minutes to come together for a burst of refreshing flavor. Its simplicity shines through, allowing the natural crispness of the produce to be the star. The creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully, making it an effortlessly satisfying side dish that’s ready in about 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, cored and thinly sliced apples, and finely chopped red onion. Ensure the cucumbers and apples are cut to a consistent thickness for even texture and to absorb the dressing well.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Gently toss in the chopped fresh dill and chopped fresh parsley. These herbs are crucial for adding bright, herbaceous notes that lift the entire salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. The Greek yogurt provides a lighter, tangier base than just mayonnaise, while the lemon juice adds acidity and the Dijon mustard provides a subtle kick.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber, apple, and onion mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the delicate ingredients.
- Season and Chill: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir once more. For the best flavor and to allow the ingredients to meld, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is key to allowing the flavors to deepen.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad
You’ll absolutely adore this Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad for its incredible lightness and vibrant, crisp texture that truly awakens your palate. It’s a fantastic alternative to heavier, creamier salads, offering a delightful crunch from both the cucumbers and apples, enhanced by the subtle bite of red onion and the fresh, aromatic notes of dill and parsley. Making this at home is not only incredibly simple but also a wonderfully cost-effective way to elevate your meals, especially when fresh produce is in season.
Unlike a traditional potato salad or coleslaw that can feel heavy, this salad feels wonderfully refreshing and light, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a stand-alone light lunch. The combination of cool, crisp vegetables and slightly sweet apples, all brought together by a tangy, creamy dressing, is simply irresistible. Give this Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad a try for a guaranteed hit of fresh flavor that your taste buds will thank you for!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- Texture: Be aware that over time, the cucumbers might release more liquid, making the salad a bit more watery. You can gently drain off any excess liquid before serving again.
- Reheating: This salad is not meant to be reheated as it is a chilled dish. Enjoy it cold!
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the cucumbers and apples will be significantly altered upon thawing.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular and refreshing. Give it a go for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy addition to your meal rotation.
Fresh Cucumber Apple Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, cored and thinly sliced apples, and finely chopped red onion. Ensure the cucumbers and apples are cut to a consistent thickness for even texture and to absorb the dressing well.2 large cucumbers, 2 medium crisp apples, 1/4 cup red onion
- Gently toss in the chopped fresh dill and chopped fresh parsley. These herbs are crucial for adding bright, herbaceous notes that lift the entire salad.1/4 cup fresh dill, 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. The Greek yogurt provides a lighter, tangier base than just mayonnaise, while the lemon juice adds acidity and the Dijon mustard provides a subtle kick.1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber, apple, and onion mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the delicate ingredients.
- Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Stir once more. For the best flavor and to allow the ingredients to meld, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is key to allowing the flavors to deepen.to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper