If you’ve been searching for a fresh, vibrant side that’s both satisfying and simple, you have to try this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between crisp cucumbers, peppery radishes, and tart Granny Smith apples all tied together with a luscious, tangy dressing. This salad is so refreshing and versatile, making it a fantastic addition to any meal or a standalone snack that you’ll keep coming back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this salad lies in its uncomplicated yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering a symphony of flavors and textures — from the crunch of fresh veggies to the brightness of citrus and the creamy, tangy dressing.
- 1 large cucumber: Choose a firm cucumber for the best crunch and hydrating freshness.
- 8 red radishes: Thinly sliced for a peppery bite and beautiful pop of color.
- 2 Granny Smith apples: Their tartness adds a crisp contrast that elevates the entire dish.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything, you can opt for store-bought or homemade for extra personality.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the flavors wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed from one lemon, it enhances the overall freshness and keeps the apples from browning.
- â…› cup minced fresh parsley: Brings herbal notes and a splash of vibrant green color.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, these seasonings bring all the elements into harmony.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Start by slicing your large cucumber, thinly slicing the radishes, and slicing the Granny Smith apples. Having your ingredients uniformly sliced ensures every bite is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Toss these three vibrant ingredients together in a large bowl, creating a beautiful base for your salad.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add in the minced parsley, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well-balanced—a creamy dressing that brings a zingy brightness that lifts the salad.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour the creamy dressing over the cucumber, apple, and radish mixture. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every slice is lovingly coated with that luscious dressing. This step guarantees each forkful bursts with flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Chill for Maximum Flavor
Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite more refreshing and cohesive.
Step 5: Serve Cold and Enjoy
This salad is best served cold, straight from the fridge. The cool temperature perfectly complements the crisp ingredients and creamy dressing, creating a delightful experience with each bite.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle extra minced parsley or add a few fresh dill sprigs on top just before serving. You could also scatter some toasted sunflower seeds for an unexpected nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the salad’s textures.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or roasted pork. It’s the perfect way to balance richer main dishes with fresh, tangy notes and crisp textures. You might also enjoy it with a hearty sandwich or as a light, refreshing side for a picnic or barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed cucumber boats or small cups made from apple halves. For gatherings, arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with edible flowers or thin slices of lemon for an eye-catching centerpiece. It’s an effortless way to elevate the visual appeal while keeping things approachable and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe, transfer them to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but do note that the cucumbers and apples may soften slightly, though the flavors remain delicious.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the cucumbers, apples, and radishes have a high water content, which can cause them to become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad with a creamy dressing, reheating isn’t recommended. It’s designed to be enjoyed chilled to highlight the crisp textures and fresh flavors that make this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a great tartness and crispness, you can experiment with Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter touch. Just keep in mind the flavor dynamic may shift slightly.
Is there a dairy alternative for the mayonnaise?
Yes! If you want to avoid dairy, you can use a plant-based or vegan mayonnaise. It will still give you the creamy texture without compromising on flavor.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Definitely. You could add thinly sliced bell peppers, celery, or even green onions to boost the crunch and flavor complexity. Just be mindful to slice them thinly to maintain the salad’s balance.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A minimum of 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors marry and the dressing meld with the veggies and fruit. If you chill it longer, up to a few hours is fine, just give it a gentle toss before serving.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If parsley isn’t available, fresh cilantro or chives make excellent substitutes and will add their own wonderful fresh notes to your Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving over and over because it’s fresh, easy to prepare, and packs a wonderful mix of flavors and textures in every bite. Whether you serve it as a lively side or a standalone snack, it’s sure to brighten up your table and mood alike. Give it a try, and I promise it won’t disappoint!
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Creamy Cucumber Salad with Apples and Radishes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crisp side dish combining thinly sliced cucumber, radishes, and Granny Smith apples tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. Perfect for warm days or as a crunchy accompaniment to your favorite meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 large cucumber (sliced)
- 8 red radishes (thinly sliced)
- 2 Granny Smith apples (sliced)
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- â…› cup minced fresh parsley
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and fruits: In a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumber, thinly sliced radishes, and sliced Granny Smith apples to combine all fresh ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well mixed.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to chill the salad before serving.
- Serve cold: Once chilled, serve the creamy cucumber salad cold as a refreshing side dish to complement your meal.
Notes
- Use firm and fresh cucumbers and radishes for the best crunch.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust vinegar and lemon juice to taste for preferred tartness.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead but is best within 24 hours to maintain freshness.
- Make sure to slice apples thinly to blend well and avoid overpowering other flavors.
