A fresh, crunchy salad combining juicy cucumber, crisp apple, crunchy celery, fresh herbs, and a bright creamy lemon dressing. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect as a side dish or quick lunch.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp dried cranberries, optional
Creamy Lemon Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumber
Wash the cucumbers and slice them thinly.
If they’re particularly watery, sprinkle with a small pinch of salt and let them sit for 5–10 minutes. Gently pat dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Apple
Core the apples and slice them into thin pieces.
For extra brightness and to slow browning, toss the apple slices with 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
3. Prepare the Celery & Onion
Thinly slice the celery and red onion.
For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
4. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine
Add cucumber, apple, celery, red onion, parsley, and mint to a large bowl.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and fruit.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Add the Crunch
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and optional dried cranberries.
7. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving.
Give the salad one gentle toss before serving and garnish with fresh mint or parsley.
Tips for the Best Salad
- Choose a crisp, slightly sweet apple such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady.
- English cucumbers work especially well because they have fewer seeds.
- Keep the apple slices fairly thin so every bite gets a little of each ingredient.
- Add the nuts shortly before serving for maximum crunch.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
Delicious Variations
Add Cheese
Crumble in feta or goat cheese.
Make It More Filling
Add diced cooked chicken.
Mediterranean Style
Add feta, olives, parsley, mint, and a little extra lemon juice.
Dairy-Free
Use a plain dairy-free yogurt or make a simple lemon-olive-oil dressing.
Fruity Version
Add orange segments or a handful of grapes.
Storage
For the best texture, enjoy the salad the same day.
If already dressed, refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days. If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and combine shortly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of apple is best?
Crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith work well.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of yogurt?
Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a richer, creamier dressing.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients ahead and keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the sliced apples with a little fresh lemon juice.
Can I use dried herbs?
Fresh herbs are best for this salad, but a small amount of dried parsley or dill can be used if needed.
Can I leave out the nuts?
Absolutely. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are good alternatives, or simply omit them.
Is the dressing sweet?
It has a mild sweet-tangy flavor from the honey and lemon. Adjust the honey to taste.
What can I serve with this salad?
It’s delicious alongside grilled chicken, fish, sandwiches, wraps, roasted vegetables, or soup.
Quick Recipe Card
Slice cucumber + apple + celery → add onion & herbs → whisk lemon dressing → toss together → add nuts & cranberries → chill 20 minutes → serve fresh.