Cucumber and Apple Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad that pairs cool cucumber with sweet, juicy apple in a light lemony dressing. Every bite is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy with a subtle fresh herb finish, making it an ideal side for grilled dishes or a light lunch on its own.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the cucumber and apple.
1.Wash the cucumber and slice it in half lengthwise, then cut into thin half-moons.2.Core the apples, cut into quarters, and slice them thinly to match the cucumber. - mix
Make the dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until the honey dissolves. - mix
Toss the salad together.
1.In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber and apple with the chopped mint.2.Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. - serve
Serve immediately.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy right away for the best crunch.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline slicer for paper-thin, even cucumber and apple slices for the best texture.
- 2Pat cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before dressing to avoid a watery salad.
- 3Toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice first to prevent browning if not serving immediately.
- 4Chill the cucumber and apple in the fridge for 15 minutes before mixing for an extra-crisp, cool salad.
- 5Add the mint at the last second and toss gently to keep its fresh flavor and prevent bruising.
- 6This salad is best eaten within 30 minutes; leftovers will soften significantly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-swap
Replace mint with fresh dill or basil for a different aromatic profile — dill pairs beautifully with cucumber, while basil adds a sweet, peppery note.
crunchy add inCrunchy-add-in
Add 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts or slivered almonds for extra crunch and nutty richness, making the salad more substantial.
savory variationSavory-variation
Swap the honey for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard and add 1/4 cup of finely diced red onion for a tangy, savory version perfect alongside grilled meats.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Low in Calories
This salad is naturally light and low-calorie, relying on crisp produce and a minimal dressing, making it an excellent choice for weight-conscious meals.
Contains Vitamin C
Both lemon juice and apples provide vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps your body absorb iron from other foods in your meal.
Good Source of Hydration
Cucumbers are over 95% water, making this salad a hydrating side dish that helps maintain fluid balance on warm days.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Apples with their skin on contribute soluble fiber, which aids digestion and helps promote a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
It's best served immediately, but you can prep the sliced cucumber and apple up to 2 hours ahead — store them separately in the fridge and toss with dressing just before serving.
