This crunchy apple cucumber salad is a refreshing, delicious side dish that's easy to make. With crispy apples, cucumbers, and walnuts, all tossed in a simple maple lemon olive oil dressing, this vegan and gluten-free recipe is perfect for any meal.
If you love more cucumber salad recipes try my cucumber and beet salad, red pepper cucumber salad, or sesame carrot cucumber salad.
I love the flavor combination of apples and cucumbers, especially in my green apple cucumber smoothie!
This inspired me to create this apple cucumber salad. Thanks to its crisp texture and sweet-tart juicy taste, it's bursting with flavor. Plus, I love how quick and easy it is to make, making it an excellent addition to my vegan salad recipes.
It’s a great way to enjoy the fresh produce that God blesses us all year round. This plant-based side dish is light, hydrating, and a refreshing twist on your basic green salad.
For more delicious plant-based salad ideas, check out my spinach and arugula salad, cucumber and vinegar salad, or my cucumber tomato and onion salad.
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Ingredients
- Apples: Use your favorite variety! I used Ambrosia, but sweet apples like Gala or Fuji, or tart apples like Granny Smith, all work in this recipe.
- Cucumbers: I used English cucumbers, but Persian cucumbers would also be delicious. Choose firm cucumbers with a dark green color.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts for 3-5 minutes in a dry skillet over medium heat brings out a fragrant and nutty flavor.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and a zingy flavor to the dressing.
- Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup with no added sugars. Agave syrup can also be used as a vegan alternative.
- Olive oil: I recommend using high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
As always, you can find the full recipe with a list of ingredients with measurements in a printable recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Apple Cucumber Salad
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.
Prepare the salad: Cut the cucumbers and apples into small pieces. You don't need to peel the skin.
Assemble: Add the diced cucumbers and apples to a bowl. Sprinkle with finely chopped walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
Test
I experimented with adding shredded cabbage to this salad and was pleasantly surprised by how perfectly it complemented the crisp apples and cucumbers, adding extra crunch and a pop of color.
Storage
It’s best to enjoy this salad immediately, as the apples brown quickly.
If you need to make it ahead, prepare the dressing in advance and dice the cucumbers and apples just before serving. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
Variations
- Add greens: Toss in some baby spinach, arugula, or shredded kale for extra nutrients and color.
- Walnut alternative: Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts for a different texture and flavor.
- Include dried fruits: Sprinkle in dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Make it creamy: Add a dollop of dairy-free yogurt to the dressing for a creamy and tangy twist.
- Incorporate herbs: Mix in fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or dill for a burst of freshness.
Marinela's Tips
- Choosing the best apples: Choose the apples you enjoy most—red apples add a lovely sweetness, while green apples offer a tart bite. For a balanced flavor and the best texture, pick crisp, firm varieties like Ambrosia, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp, or try a mix of both.
- Keep apples fresh: To prevent the apples from browning too quickly, chop and toss them in the dressing right before serving.
- Toast the walnuts: For extra flavor, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Do not leave the stove, as the nuts can burn very easily.
- Chill before serving: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the apples and cucumbers in the fridge before serving.
- Adjust the dressing: Feel free to adjust the maple syrup or lemon to suit your taste for a sweeter or more tart dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the apples and cucumbers crisp.
Yes, you can make this salad without nuts! Use toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch, or simply omit the walnuts.
Easy Cucumber Salad Recipes
More Recipes with Apples
- Overnight applesauce oatmeal
- Apple banana pineapple smoothie
- Apple peanut butter smoothie (no banana)
📖 Recipe
Crunchy Apple Cucumber Salad with Walnuts
Equipment
- 1 big mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Small bowl for the dressing
Ingredients
- 2 apples diced
- 2 English cucumbers diced
- ¼ cup walnuts toasted, chopped
Lemon olive oil dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed, add more to taste
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl mix the dressing ingredients.2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ teaspoon salt
- Rinse well, dice cucumbers and apples. You can leave the skin on, or peel them if you prefer.
- Add cucumbers, apples, and walnuts to a bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss gently. Enjoy!2 apples, 2 English cucumbers, ¼ cup walnuts
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed right away because the apples can brown quickly.
- To prep ahead, make the dressing in advance and dice the cucumbers and apples just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
- Use apples you love—red apples are sweet, green ones are tart, or mix both for balance. Crisp, firm varieties like Ambrosia, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp work best.
- Dice and toss apples in the dressing right before serving to prevent browning.
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stay nearby to avoid burning.
- Chill apples and cucumbers in the fridge for a refreshing salad.
- Add more maple syrup for sweetness or lemon for extra tartness to suit your taste.
Nutrition
If you try this apple and cucumber salad, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @go_eatgreen on Instagram.
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