Apple and Fresh Cucumber Salad

Apple and fresh cucumber salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that combines the crispiness of cucumbers with the sweetness of apples. The dish is perfect as a side salad, especially in summer when fresh produce is abundant. It incorporates simple ingredients like onions, dill, and chives, adding complexity to its taste. The salad is tossed in a tangy cream dressing enhanced with garlic and lemon juice, offering a delightful burst of flavor. It's an ideal choice for a light lunch or as an accompaniment to grilled meats. With its vibrant colors and fresh taste, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just 15 minutes, but it's also versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. Customize this salad with your favorite herbs or adjust the sweetness to your liking. Enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that satisfies your taste buds without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 fresh cucumbers
• 2 apples
• 1 onion
• A handful of dill
• A handful of chives

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup cream
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• 2 cloves of garlic

Preparation Time

Total Time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Start by washing the cucumbers and apples thoroughly. Peel the cucumbers if desired, although leaving the skin on adds additional fiber and nutrients.

2. Chop the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into thin sticks. The uniformity in size helps the salad look appealing and ensures even distribution of flavor.

3. Grate the Apples: Next, grate the apples into thin shreds. This allows the apples to integrate well with the other ingredients and release their sweet juices.

4. Chop the Onion: Peel and finely chop the onion. Soaking the onion in cold water can help reduce its pungency if desired.

5. Combine the Vegetables: Place the cucumber sticks, grated apples, and chopped onion into a large mixing bowl.

6. Add the Herbs: Finely chop the dill and chives, then add them to the mixing bowl. These herbs provide a fragrant aroma and fresh taste.

7. Prepare the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. A garlic press can be used to achieve a finer consistency.

8. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the cream with lemon juice, sugar, salt, and the minced garlic.

9. Mix the Dressing: Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the sugar has dissolved completely.

10. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl.

11. Toss the Salad: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the ingredients.

12. Taste and Adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. More lemon juice or a pinch of salt can be added according to preference.

13. Chill the Salad (Optional): If you have extra time, refrigerate the salad for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together more effectively.

14. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls.

15. Garnish: Garnish with additional herbs, if desired, to enhance the visual appeal.

16. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within a day for best results.

17. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy your refreshing apple and cucumber salad!

Tips

• Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter dressing.
• Enhancements: Add walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad without dressing and store separately in the fridge. Dress just before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving
• Protein: 2g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Variations

• Vegan Option: Swap cream with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for some heat.
• Fruit Additions: Incorporate sliced strawberries or pomegranate seeds for a fruity twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside a platter of assorted cheeses and crackers.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves for added aroma.

Best Places

• Buvette - Offers a charming and cozy atmosphere with a delicious selection of fresh salads. Location: 42 Grove Street, New York City, USA.

• The Salad Kitchen - Known for its vibrant and healthy salad options, perfect for a light lunch. Location: 18 Nanjing Road, Shanghai, China.

• Fresh & Co - Specializes in vibrant and healthy dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Location: 80 Pine Street, Sydney, Australia.

• Salad Stop! - A beloved spot for quick and healthy meal options, including a variety of salads. Location: 1 George Street, Singapore.

• Green's Cafe - Offers a tranquil setting with an impressive range of salads. Location: 14 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.

• Leaf & Co - Known for creative interpretations of classic salad dishes. Location: 236 High Road, London, United Kingdom.

• The Green Bowl - Popular for its innovative and fresh approach to salads. Location: 58 Carl-Renner-Ring, Vienna, Austria.

• Urban Herbivore - Offers a modern twist on traditional salad dishes. Location: 64 Queen Street West, Toronto, Canada.

• Roots Salad Bistro - Renowned for its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in salads. Location: 79 Orchard Road, Singapore.

• Salad Box - A fantastic place for diverse and interesting salad combinations. Location: 10 Rue de la Paix, Brussels, Belgium.