Cucumber Apple Salad

Name: Cucumber Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
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

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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.

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

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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!

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⭐️ 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

salad ingredients arranged on a wooden cutting board.

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.

fork resting in bowl of salad resting on a white napkin.

🔪 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.

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: 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!

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.

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