Bright, tangy, and impossibly fresh, Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing is my go-to dish for when I crave something both nourishing and full of lively flavor. Crisp apples and crunchy cucumbers tumble together under a cloud of minty Greek yogurt dressing—each bite is a little celebration of summer on your fork!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing: The cool cucumbers and juicy apples are sensationally crisp, making every forkful instantly revitalizing on a hot day.
- Creamy Yet Light: The creamy mint yogurt dressing brings lusciousness without weighing anything down—perfect for healthy, satisfying meals.
- Quick and Easy: This entire Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing comes together in under 30 minutes, with minimal prep and barely any cleanup.
- Totally Customizable: It’s a blank canvas for add-ins, from nuts to greens, so you can make it truly your own every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing is that each ingredient truly shines—there are no fillers here! These simple components come together for unbeatable texture, flavor, and color that make this salad a standout at any table.
- Honeycrisp or sweet apples: Their natural crunch and tart sweetness set off the creamy dressing brilliantly. No need to peel!
- Persian or mini cucumbers: These have thinner skins and fewer seeds, supplying a snappy, refreshing bite in every mouthful.
- Greek yogurt: This forms the creamy base of your dressing, adding tang and a lovely, velvety texture.
- Fresh mint leaves: The mint brings an unexpected pop of flavor and that garden-fresh aroma that just screams summer.
- Garlic powder (or fresh garlic): Garlic wakes up the whole dish with a subtle savory note—choose fresh cloves for more kick.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the salad, perfectly balancing the sweet and savory elements.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds gentle acidity that makes each ingredient taste more vivid.
- Honey: Just a touch rounds out the tanginess, infusing the dressing with mellow sweetness.
- Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing for a silkier finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—generous pinches make each flavor pop!
Variations
What I adore about Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing is that you can riff on it with whatever’s in your fridge—so don’t be afraid to get playful! Here are some of my favorite ways to make this recipe suit your mood, pantry, or dietary needs.
- Add protein: Top with cooked chicken, cooked shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas to turn it into a complete lunch or light dinner.
- Switch up the herbs: If mint isn’t your thing, try fresh dill, parsley, or basil for a totally different twist on the dressing.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap in a thick coconut yogurt for Greek yogurt to keep things creamy without any dairy.
- Fruity upgrades: Toss in halved grapes, thinly sliced pear, or pomegranate arils for extra bursts of sweetness and color.
- Crunch factor: Sprinkle in toasted walnuts, slivered almonds, or pumpkin seeds for a delightful bite.
How to Make Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Mint Yogurt Dressing
Grab your food processor and pile in the fresh mint, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mint is finely blitzed and the mixture turns luxuriously smooth and pale green. Give the dressing a taste—don’t be shy! You may want to add a touch more lemon, salt, or honey depending on your preferences.
Step 2: Slice the Apples and Cucumbers
No peeling required—just core the apples and slice both apples and cucumbers thinly (for a fancier, elegant look) or chop them into bite-sized chunks if you prefer a heartier salad. The key is to keep the pieces fairly uniform so every scoop gets a little of everything and the dressing coats evenly.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
In a large salad bowl, combine your beautiful mound of apples and cucumbers. Pour over as much of your mint yogurt dressing as you like—some days I go heavy, some days light—and gently toss until the fruit and veggies are gleaming and well coated. Finish with an extra sprinkle of salt and pepper if desired, and serve right away for ultimate crunch!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing
- Super Crisp Produce: For the crunchiest results, chill your apples and cucumbers before slicing and assembling—they’ll stay extra perky in the salad.
- Dressing Consistency: If the yogurt dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or extra lemon juice to achieve the silky texture you love.
- Blitz the Mint First: Blitzing mint with the liquids at the start helps guarantee an even, brilliantly green dressing without big herb flecks.
- Season Liberally: Don’t skimp on salt! Apples and cucumbers can soak up more seasoning than you think—taste and adjust before serving.
How to Serve Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Garnishes
I love finishing Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing with a flurry of extra fresh mint and a crack of black pepper. For a bit of luxury, try a sprinkle of sumac, toasted seeds, or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving—each adds color and a whisper of new flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fabulous partner for simple grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty grain dish like quinoa pilaf. It also makes a vibrant brunch addition served alongside frittatas, pita, or even falafel—its freshness cuts through rich and comforting fare.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping appetizer, spoon the salad onto lettuce cups for a hand-held treat, or pile it high in a shallow platter, garnished with edible flowers for parties. You can even serve Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing in individual jars for perfect picnic or meal-prep portions—so pretty and portable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Just know that the apples and cucumbers will gradually soften as they marinate in the dressing.
Freezing
This is not a salad meant for freezing—cucumbers and apples lose their signature crunch and watery texture after thawing. Make just enough to savor, and embrace the salad’s fresh spirit.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat! If you’ve stored the salad in the fridge, simply give it a gentle toss before eating. For a sprinkle of brightness, add another squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs before serving leftovers.
FAQs
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What kind of apples work best for this salad?
I recommend crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji. These apples stay snappy and stand up well to the creamy yogurt dressing without turning mushy.
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Can I make the mint yogurt dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it sealed in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before pouring over your apples and cucumbers, as it may thicken a little or separate in the fridge.
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What can I use if I don’t have a food processor?
If you don’t have a food processor, just very finely chop the mint and whisk the dressing together in a bowl. It’ll be a bit more rustic-looking, but the flavor will still be utterly delicious!
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Can I add other vegetables or fruit?
Definitely—this recipe loves personal twists! Try thinly shaved fennel, diced radishes, sliced celery, or even a handful of grapes or pomegranate seeds for extra excitement and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that’s as easy as it is stunning, I can’t recommend this Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing enough. It brings a refreshing, creamy twist to the everyday, and is guaranteed to brighten up any meal or gathering. I hope you’ll give it a try—your tastebuds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Apple Cucumber Salad With Creamy Yogurt Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Apple Cucumber Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a hint of mint. It’s a vibrant and healthy salad that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Apple Cucumber Salad:
- 2 large apples (such as honeycrisp)
- 2 cups Persian or mini cucumbers, sliced
Mint Yogurt Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- MAKE DRESSING: In a food processor, combine all dressing ingredients starting with fresh mint. Blend until creamy.
- SLICE APPLES + CUCUMBERS: Slice apples and cucumbers, leaving skins on. Cut into thin slices or chunks.
- ASSEMBLE SALAD: Place sliced apples and cucumbers in a bowl. Add desired amount of dressing and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing to suit your taste.
- Feel free to add additional herbs or nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
