This Apple Cucumber Salad combines crisp apple, cucumber, and radish with a creamy herby yogurt dressing—light, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
You know when you accidentally create something amazing? That’s exactly how this Apple Cucumber Salad came to life.
It started with one of those “clean out the fridge” days. I had half a cucumber starting to lose its crunch, a slightly bruised green apple (thanks, bottom-of-the-fruit-bowl curse), and a bunch of radishes I totally forgot about. Oh, and a tub of yogurt that was on its last call.
I didn’t expect much—just a basic salad situation. But after tossing everything together with a lemony yogurt dressing? Whoa. The tart apple, the cool cucumber, the peppery radish, all coated in that creamy dressing? It was like summer in a bowl. Light, fresh, and unexpectedly addictive.
Now? It’s my go-to for everything from last-minute BBQ sides to those I-need-something-light dinner moods.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe?
This salad hits that sweet spot between simple and so good you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
- Crisp + Refreshing: The cucumber, apple, and radish combo is pure crunch heaven.
- That Dressing: Creamy, tangy, herby—basically, it tastes fancy but takes seconds to whip up.
- Healthy but Fun: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and probiotics from the yogurt. Healthy and tasty? Win-win.
- Quick & Easy: 15 minutes. That’s it. No cooking, no fancy gadgets.
- Summer-Ready: Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a chill dinner side when it’s too hot to cook.
Ingredient Notes:
This salad is all about the combo—sweet, tangy, crunchy, creamy. Here’s why it works:
- Apple: Granny Smith works best here for that tart crunch.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are my go-to—they’re seedless, extra crisp, and perfect for slicing.
- Radish: Slightly peppery and adds a pop of color.
- Vegan Yogurt: Keeps the dressing creamy while adding a tangy kick. Regular Greek yogurt works too if you’re not dairy-free.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens everything and keeps the apples from browning.
- Fresh Herbs: Mint, parsley, and chives make the salad feel like summer.
- Garlic: Just a touch for some boldness—but not too much. No one wants a garlic bomb salad.
Pro Tip: If you want extra crunch, toss in some toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed walnuts.
How To Make Apple Cucumber Salad?
Step 1: Whip Up the Dressing
Let’s get the flavor party started with the dressing.
- In a bowl, combine the vegan yogurt, lemon juice, crushed garlic, and salt.
- Finely chop the parsley, mint, and chives. Stir them into the dressing.
- Give it a taste—want it tangier? Add a splash more lemon. Too thick? A teaspoon of water should do the trick.
The dressing should be creamy but light—like something you’d drizzle way too much on your salad.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
Now for the crunch.
- Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut it into thin half-moons.
- Core the apple (no need to peel—more crunch = better) and slice it into thin wedges.
- Thinly slice the radishes into rounds. If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s your time to shine.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Time to make some magic.
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Add the cucumber, apple, and radish slices to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing all over.
- Toss gently to coat every piece in that creamy goodness.
Pro Tip: If you’re serving for guests, save a few herb leaves and radish slices to scatter on top for some extra fancy points.
Storage Options:
Honestly? This salad is best served fresh when everything’s super crisp. But if you’ve got leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The cucumber might soften a bit, but the flavors stay spot on.
- Meal Prep Tip: If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? This salad loves a remix. Try:
- Fruit Swap: Use pear or pomegranate seeds instead of apple.
- Extra Crunch: Add toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or even slivered almonds.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Crumble some feta or goat cheese on top. You won’t regret it.
- Different Dressing: Swap the yogurt dressing for a balsamic vinaigrette if you’re feeling bold.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat kick.
What to Serve with Apple Cucumber Salad?
This salad shines as a side but also works great paired with other dishes:
- Grilled Proteins: Think chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Sandwiches & Wraps: Perfect alongside a falafel wrap or turkey sandwich.
- BBQ Sides: Serve it with corn on the cob, potato wedges, or pasta salad.
- Light Soups: A lentil or tomato basil soup would be dreamy with this.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yep! Just keep the dressing separate and toss it in before serving for max crunch.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith is my top pick, but Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work if you want something a bit sweeter.
How do I keep the apple from browning?
Toss the slices in a little extra lemon juice before adding them to the salad. Works like a charm!
So there you have it—an Apple Cucumber Salad that’s crisp, refreshing, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something light and crunchy, this salad’s got your back.
If you try it, let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your tweaks and see your creations—tag me or drop a comment below. Happy salad-making!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Apple Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ½ English cucumber sliced into half-moons
- 1 green apple Granny Smith preferred, sliced thinly
- 6 radishes thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Herbed Yogurt Dressing:
- ½ heaping cup 150g plain vegan yogurt (or Greek yogurt if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Finely chop the parsley, mint, and chives, then add them to the bowl.
- Whisk the mixture together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more lemon for tang or salt for balance.
Prepare the Salad Components
- Slice the cucumber lengthwise and cut into thin half-moon shapes.
- Core the green apple and slice it thinly, ensuring the pieces are similar in size to the cucumber slices.
- Thinly slice the radishes into rounds.
Assemble the Salad
- Place the sliced cucumber, apple, and radish into a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared herbed yogurt dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure even coating of the dressing on all components.
Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with grilled proteins, sandwiches, or as a light appetizer.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
