Light & Crisp Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad 🥗🍏✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a fresh, healthy, and easy-to-make light crisp salad? The Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad is the perfect choice for a quick lunch or a refreshing side dish. Packed with crunchy vegetables and sweet apple slices, this healthy apple salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re aiming to eat more greens or just want a vibrant dish for your summer table, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
2. Ingredients for the Cucumber Celery Apple Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks of celery, sliced diagonally
- 2 crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing the Light & Crispy Apple Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
Start by rinsing the cucumbers, celery, and apples thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, chop the celery diagonally for a pleasing presentation, and slice the apples thinly, ensuring they don’t brown quickly by tossing them in lemon juice.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing enhances the freshness of the salad and adds a subtle sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Combine the sliced cucumbers, celery, and apples in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Stir in the chopped herbs and toasted nuts if using, for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the Cucumber Celery Apple Salad for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the salad crisp and refreshing.
4. Tips for Making the Perfect Healthy Apple Salad
- Use fresh, firm apples to maintain crunchiness.
- If preparing ahead, add the apple slices just before serving to prevent browning.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Try substituting honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Salad
Store any leftover light crisp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the apple slices separate if you want to prevent browning and combine just before serving.
6. Serving Suggestions for This Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad
This healthy apple salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a topping for tacos. For an extra protein boost, you can add shredded cooked chicken or feta cheese. For more salad inspiration, check out our Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado and other fresh recipes.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about the Cucumber Celery Apple Salad
Can I substitute the apples with other fruits?
Yes! Pears, oranges, or grapes can be used as alternatives, adding their own unique flavors to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Absolutely. Just use vegan honey substitutes or omit the honey altogether for a fully plant-based version.
How long does this salad last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. However, the apples may start to brown slightly after a few hours.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or nuts make excellent additions for a more filling meal.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Vegetable Slicer — Making thin, even slices of cucumber and apple is effortless with a quality slicer, ensuring uniformity and speed in preparation.
- Whisk — Perfect for whisking together the simple lemon-honey dressing quickly and thoroughly.
- Mixing Bowl — A large, durable bowl is essential for tossing all ingredients together with ease.
Investing in these tools makes preparing fresh light crisp salads like this one a breeze and enhances your overall cooking experience.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy the refreshing and healthful benefits of this Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad—a perfect example of a light crisp salad that combines vibrant flavors and textures. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or bright summer gatherings. For more inspiring salad ideas, explore our collection of delightful recipes. Happy healthy eating!
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Light & Crisp Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad
Discover the delightful freshness of the Light & Crisp Cucumber, Celery, and Apple Salad—a healthy, easy-to-make salad packed with crunch and vibrant flavors. Perfect for quick lunches, side dishes, or summer gatherings, this vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, crunchy celery, and sweet apple slices tossed in a tangy lemon-honey dressing, garnished with fresh herbs and optional nuts for added texture. A nutritious, low-calorie, vegan-friendly recipe that’s ideal for health-conscious eaters and salad lovers alike.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 stalks of celery, sliced diagonally
- 2 crisp apples, cored and thinly sliced (preferably Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or mint
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch
Instructions
- Start by rinsing the cucumbers, celery, and apples thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons, chop the celery diagonally, and slice the apples thinly, tossing them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and honey. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste to make the dressing.
- Combine the sliced cucumbers, celery, and apples in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated. Stir in the chopped herbs and toasted nuts if using.
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples to maintain crunchiness.
- Add apple slices just before serving if preparing ahead to prevent browning.
- Customize with your favorite herbs or nuts for personalized flavor and texture.
- For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Healthy American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 80 Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg