Cucumber Apple Salad

Cucumber apple salad is refreshing and tangy, with crisp apples, crunchy cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette. This dairy-free/vegan & gluten-free salad uses 5 simple ingredients and can be assembled in 10 minutes. It works as a side salad and makes a great option to bring to your next potluck or bbq.

Cucumber apple salad, similar to apple cucumber slaw, is refreshing, crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet. Using just 5 simple ingredients, it's a no-cook salad that comes together in 10 minutes.

If you want to serve this easy cucumber salad as a main dish, I've got lots of suggestions on what you can add to make it a heartier salad (e.g. cheese, nuts, grains, greens, etc). It also works as a fantastic side dish to bring to your next potluck or bbq.

For more salad recipes, try my shaved fennel salad, apple gorgonzola salad, or Tuscan bean salad!

Jump to:

• ⭐️ Why This Cucumber Salad Is The Best
• 🍎 Ingredient Notes
• 📋 Variations & Substitutions
• 🔪 How To Make Cucumber Apple Salad
• 👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips
• 🍽 What to Serve with This Salad
• 💬 Frequently Asked Questions
• 🥗 Related Recipes
• Cucumber Apple Salad

⭐️ Why This Cucumber Salad Is The Best

• Bright, crisp, crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet
• Quick and easy apple cucumber salad that uses 5 simple ingredients and is ready in 10 minutes
• Light, healthy, high in fiber, and nutrient-rich salad that's naturally vegan, dairy-free, & gluten-free
• Works as a side salad, snack, appetizer, or picnic/potluck/bbq option
• Make in advance instructions provided

🍎 Ingredient Notes

• Crisp red apples - I recommend using crisp and sweet-tart apples, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn.
• Cucumber - Adds freshness and a crunchy texture. Try it in my cucumber lemon ginger water and cucumber avocado gazpacho.
• Lemon juice - I recommend using fresh lemon juice whenever possible. It makes a difference in getting fresh citrus flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar - Adds zippy flavor and cuts the sweetness of the apples.
• Maple syrup. Adds just a touch of sweetness. Honey can be used (although it's not a vegan option), or see my list of the best maple syrup substitutes.

📋 Variations & Substitutions

• Add your favorite protein. To make a heartier salad to eat as a main dish, add ½ cup of tofu or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Make a grain bowl: Add 1 (cooked) cup of your favorite grain to make a more filling vegetarian/vegan meal. Brown rice, quinoa, or farro would all work great.
• Vinegar. White wine vinegar can used as a substitute for both the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.
• Make it tart. For more of a tart salad, use Granny Smith apples.
• Cheese. Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite (shredded) cheese to add another layer of flavor and texture. Feta would be delicious!
• Nuts. Add 1 tablespoon of your favorite kind of nuts. Toasted pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or pecans would all work well.
• Greens. Add one or two handfuls of kale, arugula, or spinach.
• Make it creamy. Add 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a creamy salad.
• Herbs. Add a pinch of your favorite fresh herbs to add aromatics.

🔪 How To Make Cucumber Apple Salad

*See recipe card below for printable instructions.

Thinly slice the apples and cucumber and place in a medium-sized bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice.

Pour the dressing over the sliced apples and cucumber and stir gently using a rubber spatula, until the salad is well coated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

👩🏼‍🍳 Expert Tips

• Storage: Place apple and cucumber salad in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature.
• Make in advance: Make salad up to 24 hours ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
• Use a mandolin to get paper-thin slices of apple and cucumber (not necessary - it's more for aesthetics).
• Leave the skin on. There's no need to peel your apples or cucumber before slicing them. In fact, it's more nutritious (and higher in fiber) to leave the skin on produce.

🍽 What to Serve with This Salad

Serve your salad as a refreshing snack, appetizer, or pair it with a main dish, like flatbread pizza, risotto with zucchini, vegetarian sloppy joes, shrimp spaghetti, or stuffed salmon with spinach.

Serve it with crispy potato fritters for a healthy light lunch.

Because it's light and refreshing, it makes a great addition to any summer picnic, potluck, or bbq!

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

🥗 Related Recipes

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