Name: Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple: A Refreshing Crunch
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 9 ribs Celery (Adds crunch and texture; choose fresh, firm celery for the best results.); 2 pieces Green Apples (Preferably Granny Smith; slice quickly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.); 1/2 pieces English Cucumber (Cut into 1/4-inch half-moons for crispness.); 1/4 cup Fresh Dill (Infuses herbal flavor; substitute with parsley if needed.); 1/4 cup Red Onion (Finely chopped; can replace with green onions for a milder touch.); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra virgin preferred; high-quality oil significantly improves flavor.); 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed for best taste.); 1 tsp Lemon Zest (Brightens flavor profile.); 1.5 tsp Salt (Adjust according to taste preference.); 1/2 tsp Sugar (Balances flavors; omit if watching sugar intake.); 1/8 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground is ideal.)

As I bit into a perfectly crisp cucumber spears, I realized that the straightforward ingredients of a simple salad can create an explosion of refreshing flavors. This Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple is my go-to for those days when I crave something light yet satisfying. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant dish, making it an ideal choice for a quick lunch or a stunning side for any meal. Packed with crunch and a hint of sweetness, this salad not only showcases seasonal veggies but also transforms your leftovers into something truly delightful. So, are you ready to bring a burst of freshness to your table? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that you’ll want to make time and again!

Why is this salad so refreshing?

Quick and Easy: This Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple can be ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for those busy days when time is of the essence.

Vibrant Ingredients: The combination of crunchy cucumbers, crisp celery, and sweet green apples makes every bite a refreshing experience.

Seasonal Freshness: Utilizing fresh, seasonal produce not only enhances flavor but also aligns with a healthy lifestyle.

Versatile Serving Options: Whether as a quick lunch, a side dish for grilled chicken, or served at summer barbecues, this salad adapts to any occasion, much like my other favorite dish, Dumpling Salad Zesty.

Healthy and Nutritious: Each serving packs in fiber and vitamins while keeping the calorie count low—just about 205 calories per serving! It’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.

So why settle for fast food when you can savor this delightful, homemade salad?

Cucumber Celery Salad Ingredients

• Freshness and flavor in every bite!

For the Salad
Celery (9 ribs) – Adds crunch and texture; choose fresh, firm celery for the best results.
Green Apples (2, preferably Granny Smith) – Provides sweetness and tartness; slice quickly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
English Cucumber (1/2, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons) – Contributes crispness and hydration; fresh cucumbers enhance the overall texture.
Fresh Dill (1/4 cup) – Infuses herbal flavor; substitute with parsley if needed.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and a mild bite; can replace with green onions for a milder touch.
For the Dressing
Olive Oil (2 tbsp, extra virgin preferred) – Binds the dressing and adds richness; high-quality oil significantly improves flavor.
Lemon Juice (2 tbsp, freshly squeezed) and Lemon Zest (1 tsp) – Brightens the flavor profile; fresh juice is recommended for the best taste.
Salt (1.5 tsp) – Enhances flavor and draws moisture from the vegetables; adjust according to your taste preference.
Sugar (1/2 tsp) – Balances flavors; omit if you are watching your sugar intake.
Black Pepper (1/8 tsp) – Adds warmth and complexity; freshly ground is ideal for the best flavor.

With these key ingredients, your Cucumber Celery Salad will be a vibrant addition to your table, bursting with freshness and crunch!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Begin by washing and drying all your vegetables. Thinly slice the celery ribs on a bias to enhance texture and presentation. Next, core and dice the green apples into bite-sized pieces, tossing them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Cut the English cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons, finely chop the red onion, and lastly, chop the fresh dill. Set all the prepped vegetables aside in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, sugar, and black pepper. Keep whisking for about 30 seconds until the mixture is well emulsified and creamy. This tangy dressing brings an essential brightness to your Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple, perfectly complementing the fresh ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of prepped vegetables. Gently toss all the ingredients together using a large serving spoon, ensuring that the dressing coats every piece well. The goal is to marry the flavors, allowing the crunch of the celery and cucumber to shine alongside the sweetness of the apples and aromatic dill.

Step 4: Serve or Chill
After tossing, you can serve the Cucumber Celery Salad immediately, or for even better results, let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If serving later, give it another gentle toss to redistribute any juices that may have settled before presenting it at the table. Enjoy the refreshing crunch!

What to Serve with Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple

Elevate your meal with delightful pairings that enhance the fresh flavors of this vibrant salad.

Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken adds a savory element, harmonizing beautifully with the crisp salad.
Pan-Seared Salmon: The rich, flaky texture of salmon contrasts perfectly with the salad’s crunch, making it a match made in heaven.
Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy, quinoa adds a hearty base that complements the refreshing aspects of the cucumber and apple.
Pita Bread & Hummus: Serve with warm pita and creamy hummus for a tasty accompaniment; the crunch of the salad acts as a refreshing palate cleanser.
Fruit-infused Iced Tea: A cold glass of tea with hints of citrus or berries will refresh your palate, mirroring the vibrant flavors in the salad.
Cheese Plate: Include a selection of aged cheeses that bring creamy richness, contrasting with the tartness of the salad.
Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a scoop of lemon sorbet will cleanse the palate and echo the citrus notes of the salad, rounding off the meal beautifully.

Expert Tips for Cucumber Celery Salad

Cut with Care: Thinly slicing your vegetables ensures they soak up the dressing better, resulting in a more flavorful Cucumber Celery Salad.
Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to sit for about 10-15 minutes after mixing helps draw out moisture, enhancing crispness and flavor depth.
Keep It Fresh: If making ahead, store vegetables and dressing separately—toss them together just before serving to maintain that sought-after crunch.
Use Fresh Juice: Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled to ensure your salad has the brightest, most invigorating flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: Try swapping dill for mint or basil for a delightful change, adding a new layer of flavor to your crunchy salad.

Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Variations

Feel free to make this delightful salad your own with these easy swaps and additions!

Herb Swap: Replace dill with fresh mint or basil for a lively twist. Both herbs will bring a refreshing depth to your salad.
Apple Variety: Experiment with different types of apples! Honeycrisp adds extra sweetness, while Fuji will offer a hint of tartness for diverse flavor profiles.
Add Crunch: Toss in sunflower seeds or sliced almonds to boost the texture, providing a satisfying crunch alongside the crisp vegetables.
Dressing Variations: Mix in a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra zing in the dressing, enhancing its bright flavors even further, much like in my favorite Apple Cider Cake.
Heat It Up: For a spicy kick, finely chop some jalapeño or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the dressing, elevating your salad to new heat levels.
Additional Veggies: Feel free to add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for a burst of color and nutritional goodness. This can transform your salad into a vibrant veggie medley!
Creamy Addition: For a richer texture, fold in some crumbled feta or goat cheese, creating a delightful creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients.

By enjoying these variations, your Cucumber Celery Salad will always feel exciting and new! If you’re looking for more delicious apple-inspired recipes, check out these Apple Snickerdoodles Soft or Apple Cider Cupcakes.

Make Ahead Options

These Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the vegetables, like the celery, cucumbers, and apples, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply wash, slice, and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their crispness, store the dressing separately and whisk it together right before serving. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy! When you’re ready to enjoy your refreshing salad, just toss everything together and serve. It’s a delightful, hassle-free way to enjoy a crunchy, healthy dish any day of the week!

Storage Tips for Cucumber Celery Salad

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness; gently stir before serving to redistribute flavors.
Make-Ahead: If preparing in advance, keep the vegetables and dressing separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess, ensuring your Cucumber Celery Salad remains crunchy.
Serving After Chill: If you’ve chilled the salad, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving again for the best taste and texture.
Avoid Freezing: This salad does not freeze well, as the texture of the fresh ingredients will change; it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best cucumbers for this salad?
Absolutely! Look for firm, bright green cucumbers without any dark spots or blemishes. Freshness is key; the best cucumbers will feel heavy for their size, and when you cut into them, they should have a crisp, hydrating texture. If you can, go for English cucumbers as they tend to have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them perfect for salads.

How should I store leftovers of the Cucumber Celery Salad?
I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the flavors. However, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, so try to make just enough to finish it in one go!

Can I freeze this salad?
Oh no, I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad! The primary ingredients—cucumbers, celery, and apples—are prone to changing texture and becoming mushy once thawed. Instead, enjoy it fresh or prepare the vegetables and dressing separately if you’re looking to make it in advance!

What can I do if my celery or cucumbers become watery?
Very! If you notice water pooling at the bottom of your salad bowl, it’s simply due to moisture releasing from the veggies. To manage this, allow your salad to sit for 10-15 minutes after mixing for the flavors to meld. If it’s already watery, just strain it gently before serving, and you can even pat the vegetables dry with a paper towel for best results.

Is this salad suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This cucumber celery salad is naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, feel free to omit the sugar without compromising flavor. For those with allergies, always check each ingredient to be safe. It’s also pet-friendly, so if your furry friend sneaks a bite of cucumber, they will be just fine!

Can I modify ingredients based on what I have at home?
The more the merrier! This salad is wonderfully adaptable. You can swap green apples with another variety like Honeycrisp for extra sweetness, or use fresh parsley if you don’t have dill on hand. Don’t hesitate to throw in your favorite seeds or nuts for a crunchy twist, making it a truly customizable dish!