There is something special about the way crisp apples and cool cucumber come together. This salad tastes refreshing and bright, like the kind of dish you want to keep dipping your fork into. The creamy dressing wraps everything in a soft tang that brings the herbs and sweetness forward.
Jump to:
I reach for this recipe when I need something quick but still beautiful on the table. The colors feel fresh, the texture keeps things interesting, and it works with almost any meal. This Cucumber Apple Salad with Creamy Dressing is one of those sides you will want to make on repeat. Ready to begin? Let's get cooking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crisp, cool, and lightly creamy.
- Comes together in about 10 minutes.
- Full of simple ingredients you may already have.
- Works for lunches, weekday dinners, or picnics.
- Naturally wholesome without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 large apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji are perfect)
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds, roughly chopped
For the dressing
- 2 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice, divided
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Apples with a sweet tart balance hold up best. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work well.
- Full fat Greek yogurt creates a silkier dressing, but low fat is fine.
- Nuts add crunch. Walnuts bring warmth, while almonds taste cleaner. Toasting either one deepens their flavor.
- Fresh dill brightens the salad. Mint or basil can be used if you prefer a softer herb.
- Honey and maple syrup both add a gentle sweetness. Use whichever you enjoy most.
Instructions
- Prep the apples. In a medium bowl, stir 1 tablespoon lemon juice into 1 cup cold water. Core and dice the apples. Dunk them briefly to prevent browning, then pat dry. If the pieces are a little uneven, do not worry. They blend in beautifully once mixed.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, remaining lemon juice, honey, Dijon, salt, and pepper. The mixture should look smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust until it feels balanced for you.
- Combine the salad. Add the cucumber, apples, onion, parsley, and dill to a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss gently so everything is coated without crushing the apples.
- Finish and serve. Sprinkle the nuts right before serving so they stay crisp. Transfer to a shallow dish and enjoy immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
Top Tip
- Cut the apples and cucumbers into similar sizes for even texture.
- If you love crunch, add the nuts at the very end.
- Taste the dressing before mixing. A drop more lemon or honey can shift it exactly where you want it.
- Chill the ingredients before assembling for the coldest, most refreshing result.
- English cucumbers are best because they stay crisp and release less water.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- The apples may soften slightly, but the flavor stays bright.
- Do not freeze this salad.
Make Ahead and Freezing
- Prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
- Chop apples and cucumbers shortly before serving so they stay crisp.
- Add nuts at the last moment for the best crunch.
Tips and Variations
- Lighter version: Replace the mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
- More crunch: Add sliced snap peas or celery.
- Sweeter version: Toss in a handful of dried cranberries.
- Savory twist: Add crumbled feta for a salty contrast.
- Serving tip: Plate in a shallow bowl to show off the colors.
FAQs
Yes. The dressing will be thinner, so reduce the lemon juice slightly or chill it to thicken.
Yes. Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds also work well.
The quick lemon soak keeps them looking fresh and bright.
You can slice it and store it in the fridge. A rinse under cold water softens its bite.
📖 Recipe
Cucumber Apple Salad with Creamy Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp apples, cool cucumber, and a tangy creamy dressing make this salad incredibly refreshing and flavorful. Ready in 10 minutes, it's perfect for weekday meals, lunches, or picnics.
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 2 large apples, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts or almonds, roughly chopped
- For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice, divided
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ⅛ tsp coarse salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, stir 1 tablespoon lemon juice into 1 cup cold water. Core and dice apples. Briefly soak to prevent browning, then pat dry.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, remaining lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumber, apples, onion, parsley, and dill. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts right before serving for maximum crunch.
- Transfer to a shallow dish and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best results, add nuts just before serving. Dressing can be made ahead and stored for 2 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with light meals like grilled chicken, baked salmon, or simple sandwiches. It also makes a lovely contrast beside richer dishes. If you want a colorful spread, serve it with my Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad here:
https://letsflytasty.com/easy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe/
Related Recipes
Here are a few dishes that pair well with this salad:
- Easy Broccoli Bacon Salad: https://letsflytasty.com/easy-broccoli-bacon-salad-recipe/
- Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots: https://letsflytasty.com/slow-cooker-maple-brown-sugar-glazed-carrots/
- 30 Minute Stovetop Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: https://letsflytasty.com/30-minute-stovetop-maple-bacon-brussels-sprouts/
Comments
No Comments