Apple Cucumber Salad

Fresh, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this apple cucumber salad is the refreshing side dish you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re looking for something light and healthy for weekday meals or a quick dish to impress your dinner guests, this recipe has you covered.

A bowl of cucumber salad with sliced cucumbers, red onion, apple pieces, and herbs, with a spoon, apple, lemon, parsley, and pepper grinder in the background.

Apple cucumber salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that fits seamlessly into any occasion. It’s especially popular during the warmer months when fresh, in-season produce is at its peak. Think of it as a summer BBQ’s best friend or the perfect lunch prep for busy weekdays.

If this apple cucumber salad is calling your name, you’ll also love this Cucumber Carrot Salad
or this Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad.

Flat lay of parsley, pepper, salt, apples, cucumber slices, lemon juice, honey, sliced red onion, and a halved lemon, each labeled with text.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious salad. These ingredients are simple to find, and the recipe is so quick you can have it ready in no time!

Apples – crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honey crisp work best for their tartness and crunch, which balance the flavors well. Be sure to slice them thinly or dice them evenly for better texture
Cucumber – English cucumbers are preferred for their thin skin and minimal seeds, but you can also use regular cucumbers if peeled and de-seeded. Slice into rounds or halves for an appealing look
Red onion – adds a bit of crunch and bite, but if you prefer a milder flavor, soak the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes before using
Lemon juice – freshly squeezed for the best flavor—bottled lemon juice can taste artificial and won’t provide the same brightness
Honey – to balance the tanginess of the lemon juice and apples. You can adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference or substitute with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Agave syrup or maple syrup in replace of honey as well
Salt and pepper – Season to your taste. Start with a pinch and adjust gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
Fresh parsley – for garnish and a punch of herbaceous flavor. Chop finely for even distribution, or use whole leaves for a rustic presentation. You can also swap it for cilantro or mint for a different twist.

See the recipe card below for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

A glass bowl containing sliced cucumbers, diced apples, and sliced red onions, with herbs, an onion, and seasonings in the background.

Step 1: Dice the apples, slice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine them in a large bowl.

A glass jar containing a mixed vinaigrette with visible black pepper and herbs, next to a lemon wedge and a jar lid on a white surface.

Step 2: Whisk lemon juice and honey together to make a smooth dressing.

A glass bowl filled with sliced cucumbers, diced apples, and red onion, mixed with black pepper, next to a wooden spoon.

Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the apple and cucumber mixture, then toss gently to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Close-up of a salad with sliced cucumbers, red onion, and diced red apples in a white bowl, garnished with herbs and black pepper.

Step 4: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving for a chilled experience.

Storage

Short-Term Storage: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, but the lemon juice helps slow this process.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the cucumber and apples will lose their crispy texture.

Pro Tip: To preserve maximum crunch and flavor, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad right before serving.

What to Serve With Apple Cucumber Salad

Chicken Skewers in the Oven or Air Fryer Soy Sauce Chicken for a light, healthy dinner.
Burgers or hot dogs for a classic BBQ accompaniment.
A piece of warm, Bread Machine Cheese Bread to turn it into a simple lunch.

A fork holds up slices of cucumber, red onion, and apple above a bowl filled with a mixed cucumber, apple, and onion salad.

Wendys Tips

Choose fresh ingredients: Crisp apples and firm cucumbers make all the difference in taste and texture.
Balance the flavors: Adjust the honey and lemon juice to suit your palate. Add more honey for sweetness or more lemon juice for a tangy kick.
Make it your own: Feel free to add feta cheese, walnuts, or even pomegranate seeds to give this salad your unique twist.

FAQ

Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honey Crisp are ideal, feel free to use your favorite variety. Red Delicious, Pink Lady, or Fuji work great too, depending on your taste preferences.

Is this salad good for weight loss?

Yes! This apple cucumber salad is light, low in calories, and high in water content, making it a fantastic option for those looking to keep their meals nutritious while managing their calorie intake.