• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Gastronotherapy
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • FAQ
  • Subscribe
  • Accessibility
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Valentine's Day Recipes
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • FAQ
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • FAQ
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Gastronotherapy » Recipes » Gluten Free

    Apple Cucumber Salad

    Published: Mar 24, 2022 · Modified: Nov 26, 2022 by MaryAnne · 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Apple cucumber 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.

    apple cucumber salad assembled in a bowl with two forks and napkin on the side.

    Apple cucumber 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.

    It can be served as a side salad to accompany vegetarian sloppy joes or spinach stuffed salmon.

    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.

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

    ⭐️ Why This Salad Is The Best

    • Bright, crisp, crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet
    • Quick and easy - ready in just 10 minutes
    • Light, healthy, and nutrient-rich; vegan, dairy-free, & gluten-free
    • Works as a side salad or picnic/potluck/bbq option
    • Make ahead option

    🍎 Ingredient Notes

    salad ingredients arranged on a wooden cutting board.
    • Crisp red apples - I recommend using crisp and sweet-tart apples, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Use them to make dutch apple cake and chunky gluten-free apple muffins.
    • Cucumber - Adds freshness and a crunchy texture. Try it in cucumber lemon ginger water and creamy cucumber avocado gazpacho.
    • Lemon juice - I recommend using fresh lemon juice whenever possible. It makes a difference in getting fresh citrus flavor.

    📋 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.
    • Maple syrup. Honey can be used (although it's not a vegan option), or see my list of the best maple syrup substitutes.
    • Make it tart. For more of a tart salad, use Granny Smith apples.
    • Cheese. Add your favorite cheese to add another layer of flavor and texture.
    • 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.
    fork resting in bowl of salad resting on a white napkin.

    🔪 How To Make This Salad

    *See recipe card below for printable instructions.

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

    thinly sliced apples and cucumber in a mixing bowl.

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

    lemon vinaigrette whisked in a small cup.

    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: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
    • Make ahead: Make salad up to 24 hours ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
    • How to serve: Pair it with vegan flatbread pizza, broccoli pasta bake, vegan peanut noodles, or chicken focaccia sandwich.
    • 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.
    salad with sliced apple and cucumber on the side with a napkin.

    💬 Frequently Asked Questions

    Is apple and cucumber a good combination?

    Yes, they make an excellent pairing because they're both bright and crisp. In this recipe, they are tossed with a lemon-maple vinaigrette to make a refreshing salad.

    How do you keep cucumber salad from getting watery?

    To prevent your salad from getting watery, you can salt the cucumber slices before using them. Place cucumber slices in a colander (with a large bowl underneath) and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let the cucumber rest for 10 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel before using.

    Should I leave the skin on a cucumber for a salad?

    I always recommend leaving the skin on, as it provides additional fiber and texture for the salad.

    🥗 Related Recipes

    • Apple Gorgonzola Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette
    • Roasted Squash Salad with Roasted Shallot Dressing
    • Gluten Free Tabbouleh Salad with Chickpeas and Avocado
    • Easy Tuscan Bean Salad

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook.

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get my FREE Guide on Money Saving Tips on Buying Groceries, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox!

    apple cucumber salad assembled in a bowl with two forks and napkin on the side.

    📖 Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe

    Author: MaryAnne
    Apple cucumber salad is refreshing and tangy, with crisp apples, crunchy cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette. This dairy-free salad can be assembled in 10 minutes and is a great option to bring to your next potluck or bbq.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 0 mins
    Total Time 10 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 side servings
    Calories 71 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 crisp red apples
    • 1 medium cucumber
    • 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
    • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • salt and pepper to taste

    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. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    Notes

    • Storage: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Serve chilled or at room temperature.
    • Make ahead: Make salad up to 24 hours ahead of time and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
    • How to serve: Pair it with vegan flatbread pizza, broccoli pasta bake, vegan peanut noodles, or chicken focaccia sandwich.
    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 217mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 103IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Gluten-Free Recipes

    • 4-Ingredient Sriracha Aioli
    • Mexican Pinto Beans and Rice
    • Italian Garbanzo Bean Soup (vegan)
    • Cold Imitation Crab Dip

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barb Haner

      July 16, 2014 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      This really sounds good! I will have to try this!

      Reply
    2. Jacque Hastert

      July 01, 2021 at 6:56 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is one for the record books! I loved the ginger vinaigrette and it has the perfect crunch. I can't wait to make this salad again.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        July 02, 2021 at 10:59 am

        So happy you enjoyed it, Jacque!:-)

        Reply
    3. Sharon

      July 01, 2021 at 7:13 pm

      5 stars
      Crunchy nuts, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and an amazing dressing - this is my kind of salad!

      Reply
    4. Seema

      July 01, 2021 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      A great combination for a salad. I have not tried goatcheese to be honest. I will surely try this today.

      Reply
    5. Anaiah

      July 01, 2021 at 9:42 pm

      5 stars
      Love everything about this apple walnut and goat cheese salad! The flavor combination was amazing and the ginger vinaigrette paired perfectly with it. This is my new lunch time favorite, for sure.

      Reply
      • Gastronotherapy

        July 02, 2021 at 11:01 am

        So glad you love it, Anaiah! It's definitely one of my faves!

        Reply
    6. Barb Haner

      July 31, 2022 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      I am making this salad to take in my lunches to work! So easy and filling! With produce getting more expensive now, apples seem to be staying affordable. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • MaryAnne

        July 31, 2022 at 3:02 pm

        I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    MaryAnne from Gastronotherapy

    Hi, I'm MaryAnne! Gastronotherapy is where I create easy recipes that are mainly vegetarian and vegan. And I have a huge sweet tooth, so dessert is never far behind.

    More about me →

    Subscribe to my email newsletter to get my FREE Guide on Money Saving Tips on Buying Groceries, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox!

    Valentine's Day Recipes

    • No Bake Chocolate Pie
    • Fudgy Vegan Truffles
    • Almond Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream
    • (No-Bake) Black Forest Pie
    • Moist Chocolate Orange Cake
    • Strawberry Cornmeal Cake

    Popular Recipes

    • French Tomato Tart
    • Chocolate Old Fashioned Donuts
    • Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
    • Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon
    • Cheesy Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
    • Italian Garbanzo Bean Soup (vegan)
    collage of publications that maryanne is featured in.

    follow me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    How To Support Gastronotherapy:

    There are a lot of expenses involved in running a food blog. If you love my recipes, you can help support what I do in several ways!

    • Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
    • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating & review on the recipes you love.
    • Share my blog with friends and family who would also love it!
    • Subscribe to my email newsletter to get my FREE Guide on Money Saving Tips on Buying Groceries, and get new recipes delivered to your inbox!
    • Leave a tip in the "tip jar" for Gastronotherapy via Venmo at @MaryAnne-Hoekstra.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • My Story
    • Portfolio
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe for emails and updates

    Contact

    • FAQ

    Copyright © 2022 Foodie Pro Theme