Crunchy, Creamy & Surprisingly Refreshing Cucumber Apple Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Chill Time: 15–20 minutes (optional)
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or dill
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Creamy Yogurt Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or use more yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and apples.
- Shred the carrots.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Chop the parsley or dill.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- Honey or maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cucumbers
- Apples
- Carrots
- Red onion
- Fresh herbs
- Nuts (if using)
- Dried cranberries (if using)
- Seeds
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
4. Chill
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as:
- A light lunch
- A refreshing side for grilled chicken, fish, or burgers
- A picnic or barbecue side dish
- A topping for leafy green salads
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For maximum crunch, add the nuts and seeds just before serving.
Tips
- Toss the apple slices with a little extra lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- Swap parsley for fresh dill for a brighter flavor.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt, vegan mayonnaise, and maple syrup.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 13 g
