If you’re craving a refreshing burst of flavor that’s as vibrant as it is healthy, you’re in for a treat with this Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe. It perfectly balances the crispness of celery and cucumber with the bright tartness of green apples, all brought together by a zesty lemon dressing that’s simply irresistible. Whether you want a light lunch, a crunchy side, or just something that feels like a garden party on your plate, this salad delivers freshness and texture in every delightful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients. Each component is selected to bring unique texture, crispness, and a pop of flavor, creating a harmonious blend that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Celery ribs: Nine thinly sliced ribs add an unbeatable crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Green apples: Two Granny Smith apples add tartness and a subtle sweetness that complements the veggies perfectly.
- English cucumber: Half a cucumber sliced into 1/4-inch half-moons brings juicy, cool texture.
- Dill: A quarter cup of fresh dill adds a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Salt: One and a half teaspoons to bring out all the salad’s natural flavors.
- Sugar: Half a teaspoon to balance the tartness of the apples and lemon.
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, like Lucini, create a silky dressing that ties everything together.
- Lemon zest: One teaspoon adds aromatic brightness and depth.
- Lemon juice: Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed juice make the salad pop with citrusy zing.
- Red onion: A quarter cup finely chopped for a subtle sharpness and crunchy bite.
- Black pepper: A pinch (1/8 teaspoon) to gently warm up the salad’s flavors.
How to Make Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruit
Start by thinly slicing the celery ribs on a bias, this method helps maximize their crunchiness and creates an appealing shape. Next, cut the green apples into thin slices—using Granny Smith gives you that perfect tart punch. Chop the cucumber into precise 1/4-inch half-moons to keep the texture consistent and refreshing. Finally, finely chop the red onion for that subtle pop of sharpness that wakes up the taste buds.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, sugar, and black pepper. This zesty mixture balances tart, savory, and sweet notes, ensuring the salad shines with every bite. Make sure to whisk thoroughly until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, gently toss the celery, green apples, cucumber, and red onion together. Pour the dressing over this medley and toss everything until each bite is lightly coated. The dill can be sprinkled last to keep its fresh green color vibrant and full of flavor.
Step 4: Let It Rest Briefly
Allow your salad to sit for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the dressing meld with the crunchy ingredients, but your salad will still hold a lively, crisp texture that’s absolutely delightful.
How to Serve Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra finishing touch, consider adding toasted pumpkin seeds or a few fresh dill sprigs. These garnishes provide a bit more texture and an elegant look that elevates the salad’s visual appeal without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or your favorite roasted veggies. Its bright, clean flavors offer a refreshing counterpoint to rich or smoky mains, making it an ideal salad for summer barbecues or a casual weeknight dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this salad in individual glass jars or use endive leaves as edible spoons for bite-sized portions. You can also layer it in a clear trifle bowl to showcase the vibrant colors. These simple tweaks make your presentation as exciting as the salad itself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of its fresh ingredients, store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1–2 days for the best crunch and flavor. The apples and celery may slightly soften over time, but the salad remains deliciously fresh when eaten promptly.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing. The crisp texture of celery, cucumber, and apple would become mushy once thawed, losing the signature crunch that makes the dish so enjoyable.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad since it’s best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating would diminish the fresh flavors and crisp textures that define this Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe.
FAQs
Can I substitute the green apple with another type?
Yes, but keep in mind Granny Smith apples provide a perfect balance of tartness that brightens the salad. Sweeter apples may change the flavor profile, making it less refreshing and more sugary.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a refreshing and crunchy vegan dish that fits any lifestyle preference.
Can I prepare this salad without the onion?
Yes, if you’re sensitive to raw onion or simply don’t like it, you can omit or substitute it with finely sliced green onions or chives for a milder flavor.
How long does it take to make this salad?
This Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe takes about 10 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect quick and healthy option when you’re short on time.
Can this salad be doubled for a large group?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and mix in a large bowl. It keeps well and makes an excellent side for gatherings or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
This Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe is an absolute winner whenever you want something light, vibrant, and packed with personality on your plate. It’s one of those salads that feels like a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your new go-to salad for any occasion!
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Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Crunchy Cucumber Celery Salad with Green Apple combines crisp celery, tart Granny Smith apples, and cooling cucumber with a zesty lemon-dill dressing. Perfect as a light, healthy side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and bursting with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Salad
- 9 celery ribs, thinly sliced on a bias
- 2 green apples (Granny Smith), thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half-moons
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
Dressing
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp olive oil (preferably extra virgin, Lucini recommended)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Apples: Thinly slice 9 celery ribs on a bias to maximize crunch. Cut 1/2 an English cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons. Core and thinly slice 2 green apples, preferably Granny Smith for tartness. Finely chop 1/4 cup red onion and 1/4 cup fresh dill. Combine all in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1.5 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables, apples, and herbs. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the bright dressing, ensuring the salad is coated and well mixed.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes to let flavors meld, or chill it slightly in the fridge before serving for a crisp, refreshing dish. Serve as a light side or a healthy snack.
Notes
- Cutting the celery ribs on a bias helps enhance the crunch and texture of the salad.
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness and acidity of the dressing.
- The fresh dill adds a lovely herbal note that complements the lemon and cucumber beautifully.
- For a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
