Zesty Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe: Summer’s Jewel

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing cucumber and apple salad that blends unexpected textures and flavors.

Delicate cucumber slices mingle with sweet apple chunks, creating a vibrant dish.

Bright herbs and a zesty dressing add unexpected depth to this light meal.

Crunchy ingredients dance together, promising a delightful mix of cool and tangy notes.

Seasonal produce shines in this simple yet elegant recipe that comes together quickly.

You’ll love how each bite offers a perfect balance of freshness and crunch.

Grab your cutting board and let’s make something deliciously unique that will surprise your taste buds.

Why Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad Tastes Great

• Boost Nutritional Power: Pack your plate with a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from cucumbers, apples, red beans, and yogurt that support overall health and wellness.
• Create Versatile Delights: Serve this salad as a light lunch, side dish, or party appetizer that adapts seamlessly to different meals and occasions, impressing guests with its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
• Customize with Ease: Transform the recipe by swapping ingredients, adding nuts, experimenting with herbs, or making it vegan, giving you total freedom to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Blend ingredients in minutes without complex cooking techniques, making this salad perfect for busy individuals who want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Used In Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

• Cucumber: A hydrating ingredient that adds crispness and low-calorie nutrition to the salad.
• Carrot: Provides a sweet crunch and additional nutritional value to the dish.
• Tomato: Adds a juicy and tangy element to the salad.
• Onion: Contributes a sharp and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Apple: Brings a sweet and crisp texture that complements the vegetables perfectly.

• Red Beans: A protein-rich ingredient that adds substance and nutritional depth to the salad.

• Yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the dressing and provides probiotic benefits.
• Mustard, Coarse: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dressing.
• Fruit Vinegar: Provides a subtle fruity acidity to balance the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, citrusy note to enhance the overall flavor.

• Parsley, Chopped: Adds a fresh and herbal finish to the salad.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a blend of dried herbs to add complexity to the dressing.
• Salt: Helps to enhance and balance the flavors of the salad.

How To Build Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and slice cucumbers into thin half-moons. Grate carrots into delicate ribbons.

Chop tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. Dice apples into small cubes.

Thinly slice onions into whisper-thin rings. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the mixture and let it rest to release natural juices.

Step 2: Create Creamy Tangy Dressing

• Thick yogurt
• Coarse mustard
• Italian seasoning
• Fruit vinegar
• Fresh lemon juice

Blend until smooth and taste-test for perfect seasoning.

Step 3: Combine And Dress Salad

Pour dressing over prepared vegetables.

Add cooked red beans. Gently toss everything to ensure even coating.

Each ingredient should glisten with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Garnish With Fresh Herbs

Scatter chopped parsley across the top of the salad, adding a bright green pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 5: Chill And Enhance Flavors

Refrigerate salad for 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows flavors to dance and meld together beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect as a light lunch or vibrant side dish. Pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins or quinoa.

Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Pro Tips

• Swap dairy yogurt with plant-based alternatives for vegan version
• Add crunch with chopped nuts
• Experiment with different herb combinations
• Sprinkle feta cheese for extra richness

Nutrition Highlights

• Hydrating cucumber
• Fiber-rich apples
• Protein-packed red beans
• Probiotic-rich yogurt

Enjoy this refreshing, nutrient-packed salad that celebrates fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors!

Simple Tips For Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor melding and allow ingredients to absorb the dressing completely.
• Use fresh, crisp vegetables and fruits for maximum crunch and vibrant texture in the salad.
• Adjust yogurt dressing consistency by adding a little water if it feels too thick, ensuring smooth coating over ingredients.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like mint or dill to create unique flavor profiles that complement the fresh vegetables.
• Consider toasting nuts or seeds before adding them to introduce a deeper, richer dimension to the salad's overall taste and nutritional value.

Tasty Ideas For Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace red beans with chickpeas, add kalamata olives, and swap yogurt dressing with olive oil and lemon vinaigrette for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate black beans, corn kernels, diced jalapeños, and replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern twist.
• Protein Power Bowl: Include grilled chicken strips or quinoa to transform the salad into a hearty protein-packed meal that provides sustained energy and additional nutritional benefits.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Swap mustard with sesame oil, add edamame beans, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, and drizzle with rice vinegar for an East Asian-inspired variation that brings exciting new dimensions to the original recipe.

Best Sides For Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the salad's light and refreshing profile with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which will enhance the cucumber and apple's natural crispness.
• Serve with Grilled Protein Companion: Match the salad with lemon-herb grilled chicken or seared salmon to create a balanced meal that highlights the yogurt dressing's tangy undertones.
• Boost with Rustic Bread Sidekick: Accompany the salad with a slice of crusty sourdough or whole grain bread to provide a satisfying textural contrast and soak up the delicious yogurt mustard dressing.

How To Store Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its crisp texture and fresh flavor.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad, as the cucumbers and apples will become mushy and lose their crunch when thawed.
• Quick Reheating: This salad is best served cold. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the edge off the cold.
• Dressing Separation: If the salad looks watery after storage, gently drain excess liquid and give it a quick toss to redistribute the remaining dressing before serving.

Crunchy Cucumber And Apple Salad FAQ Guide

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.

• Is this salad good for weight loss?

Absolutely! With low-calorie ingredients like cucumbers and yogurt, plus high-fiber components like red beans and apples, this salad is an excellent choice for those watching their weight.

• How can I add more protein to this salad?

Consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs to boost the protein content. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of red beans in the recipe.

• Are the ingredients in this salad easily available?

Most ingredients are common and can be found in any grocery store.

Crunchy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp cucumber and apple salad delivers a refreshing dance of textures and flavors from summer’s garden harvest. Cool crunch meets sweet tang, creating a light side dish that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 handful parsley, chopped

Protein and Legumes:

• 1 cup red beans, cooked and drained

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons thick yogurt
• 1 tablespoon coarse mustard
• 2 tablespoons fruit vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1. Salt the freshly sliced cucumbers, grated carrots, chopped tomatoes, diced apples, and thinly sliced onions in a large mixing bowl. Allow ingredients to rest for 5 minutes to release natural juices.
2. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking thick yogurt, coarse mustard, Italian seasoning, fruit vinegar, and lemon juice until silky and well integrated. Season with salt to enhance flavor profile.
3. Gently fold cooked red beans into the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Drizzle the prepared yogurt-mustard dressing over the salad, thoroughly coating each component with the creamy mixture.
5. Garnish the salad with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright herbal note to the dish.
6. Refrigerate the completed salad for approximately 30 minutes at 40°F to allow flavors to harmonize and develop a more complex taste profile.
7. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure maximum flavor integration.

Notes

• Drain vegetables thoroughly to prevent watery dressing and maintain crisp texture.
• Massage salt into sliced vegetables to help release excess moisture and enhance flavor concentration.
• Chill ingredients before mixing to keep salad ultra-refreshing and prevent premature wilting.
• Prep ingredients just before serving to preserve maximum crunchiness and vibrant colors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg