Quick and Easy Cucumber and Apple Salad
Cucumber and apple salad is a classic summer and fall side dish that is light, refreshing, and easy to make. It is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This recipe is for a quick and easy version of the salad that is perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks.
A Quick and Easy Cucumber and Apple Salad is just what we all need for a light lunch. How many times have you made a cucumber salad this past few months? How many times have you incorporated apples in your salad? If you can answer these two questions, it is fair to say that you love cucumbers and apples in your salad.
My inspiration for salads
I periodically visit pick-your-own farms to enjoy the freshest produce and to get in touch with nature. Many people agree that it is a good idea to learn about how vegetables grow and what is required to grow them. You can sometimes learn farming secrets and the challenges that farmers face, such as gas prices, labor costs, and the weather.
Visiting a local farm might inspire you to cook a new recipe that you have been thinking about. That always happens to me.
Apples and cucumbers are easy to find in supermarkets and make great additions to any salad, including coleslaw. They add crunchiness and natural sweetness.
Ingredients needed:
- English cucumber: better because it is seedless. You can mini cucumbers or regular cucumbers – don’t forget to remove the large seeds.
- Apples: pick the ones you like. You can also add a mixture of green and red apples.
- Olive oil: choose extra-virgin olive oil or fruit-infused olive oil
- Vinegar: choose apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or rice wine vinegar. These vinegar are perfect for salad dressings and vinaigrette because of their mild taste and aromatic flavor.
- Honey: for a hint of sweetness and to tone down the acidity in the vinegar.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- NouBess Hot and Spicy Sauce: for bold flavors, this ingredient is optional.
Instructions for the recipe:
- Wash the apples and the cucumber very well and cut into small chunks. Place into a bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper and NouBess sauce, if using. Mix well.
- Drizzle over the apples and cucumber and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes and Tips:
- For a sweeter salad, add more honey or maple syrup.
- Add more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tart salad.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped celery, onion, or walnuts.
- To make the salad ahead of time, chop the cucumber and apples, toss with a little bit of lemon juice (to avoid browning), and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.
A few Frequently Asked Questions about salad recipes.
Why you should add cucumber and apple salad to your diet
- It is a good source of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Apples are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
- It is a low-calorie and refreshing snack or side dish. Cucumbers and apples are both low in calories and fat, making them a healthy choice for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- The combination of cucumber and apple is a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Cucumber and apple salad is a good way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults eat at least 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. Cucumber and apple salad is a delicious and easy way to meet these recommendations.
In addition to the above benefits, cucumber and apple salad is also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. It can be served on its own or paired with other dishes such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
Different ways to dress up cucumber and apple salad
- Add different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh mint, basil, or dill to your salad for a refreshing flavor. You could also add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for a little extra flavor.
- Use a different type of vinegar. Instead of apple cider vinegar, try using red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or rice vinegar. You could also use a combination of different vinegars.
- Add different fruit or vegetables. Try adding other fruits and vegetables to your salad, such as celery, carrots, grapes, berries, or nuts. You could also add a small amount of cooked protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Make a creamy dressing. Instead of a vinaigrette dressing, try making a creamy dressing with yogurt or mayonnaise. You could also add a squeeze of Dijon mustard or honey to the dressing for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side of protein. Cucumber and apple salad is a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. You could also serve it with a hard-boiled egg or a slice of cheese for a more complete meal.
Fun variations on cucumber and apple salad
- Cucumber and Apple Coleslaw: Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions to your salad for a crunchy and flavorful coleslaw. You can also add a dollop of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar to make a classic coleslaw dressing.
- Cucumber and Apple Waldorf Salad: Add chopped walnuts, celery, and grapes to your salad for a classic Waldorf salad. You can also add a dollop of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice to make a Waldorf dressing.
- Cucumber and Apple Gazpacho: This chilled soup is a refreshing and light meal or appetizer. Simply combine cucumbers, apples, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also add a splash of water or broth to thin the soup out.
- Cucumber and Apple Salsa: This salsa is perfect for dipping chips, tacos, or grilled meats. Simply combine diced cucumbers, apples, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño peppers (optional) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cucumber and Apple Smoothie: This smoothie is a healthy and delicious way to start your day. Simply combine cucumbers, apples, bananas, yogurt, and milk in a blender and blend until smooth. You can also add a scoop of protein powder or peanut butter to make the smoothie more filling.
These are just a few ideas for fun variations for cucumber and apple salad. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and dressings to find your favorite way to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish.
How to make cucumber and apple salad ahead of time
To make cucumber and apple salad ahead of time, simply follow these steps:
- Wash and dice the cucumber and apple.
- Combine the cucumber and apple in a bowl.
- Drizzle the salad with a vinaigrette dressing of your choice. (Be sure to use a dressing that is not too acidic, as this can make the cucumbers and apples soggy.)
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to serve, give the salad a stir and adjust the seasonings to taste.
Here are some tips for making cucumber and apple salad ahead of time:
- Do not add the dressing to the salad until you are ready to serve. This will help to prevent the cucumbers and apples from becoming soggy.
- If you are using a vinaigrette dressing, be sure to use a ratio of 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. This will help to ensure that the dressing is not too acidic.
- If you are using a creamy dressing, be sure to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil to the dressing. This will help to prevent the dressing from becoming too thick and clumpy.
- If you are storing the salad for more than 24 hours, be sure to drain off any excess liquid before serving.
Here are some ideas for how to enjoy cucumber and apple salad ahead of time:
- Pack it in a lunchbox for a quick and healthy meal on the go.
- Serve it as a side dish at a potluck or barbecue.
- Add it to a wrap or sandwich for a refreshing and nutritious snack.
- Enjoy it on its own as a light snack or appetizer.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, cucumber and apple salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for making ahead of time.
Cucumber and apple salad as a side dish for different occasions
Cucumber and apple salad is a versatile side dish that can be enjoyed for a variety of occasions. Here are a few ideas:
- Summer potlucks and barbecues: Cucumber and apple salad is a refreshing and light side dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is also easy to make and transport, making it a great option for potlucks and barbecues.
- Weeknight meals: Cucumber and apple salad is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in minutes. It is also a healthy and nutritious option for weeknight meals.
- Holiday feasts: Cucumber and apple salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can help to balance out the heavier dishes on a holiday feast. It is also a good option for guests with dietary restrictions, as it is gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
- Lunchbox meals: Cucumber and apple salad is a healthy and portable side dish that is perfect for packing in a lunchbox. It is also a good option for kids; it is also sweet and crunchy.
Here are some specific meal ideas that you can serve with cucumber and apple salad:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Roasted Salmon
- Steak
- Pasta salad
- Rice Pilaf
- Quiche
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Salads
No matter what the occasion, cucumber and apple salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
This refreshing, crunchy, and easy-to-make salad is perfect with roasted meat, poultry, or seafood. A hint of spiciness in the dressing complements the chunks of cucumber and apple. Raw vegetables and fruits are a great combination, and the salad dressings add to the juiciness and flavor.
This salad is a great option for vegetarians, and it’s super easy and delicious to make. I used English cucumber, which is best for this type of salad with apples.
Quick Cucumber and Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 2 apples (green and red preferred) washed and cut into small chunks
- 1 English cucumber washed, cut into small chunks
- 1 tbsp Vinegar Champagne, Rice Wine, or Apple Cider Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or fruit infused olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp Honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/8 tsp Noubess Hot and Spicy Sauce optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix vinegar, oil and hot and spicy pineapple sauce. In another bowl add chunks of cucumber and apple. Drizzle dressing over and stir to mix. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a sweeter salad, add more honey or maple syrup.
- Add more apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a tart salad.
- Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped celery, onion, or walnuts.
- To make the salad ahead of time, chop the cucumber and apples, toss with a little bit of lemon juice (to avoid browning), and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, combine the ingredients and toss with the dressing.
Nutrition
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
