Cucumber Apple with Egg Salad

Let me introduce you to a salad that’s fresh, light, and packed with flavor—Cucumber Apple with Egg Salad. Imagine crisp cucumber and juicy apples paired with creamy, hard-boiled eggs, all tossed in a delightful dressing that ties it together perfectly. This dish is a beautiful combination of refreshing crunch and rich creaminess, making it the perfect side salad or even a light main dish. It’s as vibrant as it is delicious, and trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cucumber Apple with Egg Salad

This salad isn’t just your ordinary bowl of greens. Here’s why it’s bound to win your heart:

Refreshing & Crisp

The cucumber adds the perfect crunch, while the apples bring a burst of sweetness that complements the egg salad beautifully. It’s light but satisfying—perfect for any time of year.

Quick & Easy

You can throw this together in under 20 minutes, making it a great option for a busy day or a quick meal prep. It’s hassle-free yet feels like a treat.

Balanced & Wholesome

With the addition of eggs, this salad packs a nice protein punch, making it hearty enough to keep you full, while the fruits and veggies add essential vitamins and fiber.

Versatile

This salad works well as a side dish for any meal, or you can add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this refreshing, tasty salad:

For the Salad:

• Cucumber (thinly sliced)
• Apple (any sweet variety, thinly sliced)
• Hard-boiled eggs (peeled and chopped)
• Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)

For the Dressing:

• Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
• Mayonnaise (for richness)
• Dijon mustard (for a tangy kick)
• Honey (to balance the flavors)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• A dash of apple cider vinegar (for acidity)

Instructions

Let’s get this salad ready and on the table! Here’s how to make it:

1. Prep the Veggies and Fruits

Start by thinly slicing the cucumber and apple. Make sure to toss the apple slices in a little fresh lemon juice to keep them from browning and to add a slight citrusy zing.

2. Boil the Eggs

Hard-boil the eggs by placing them in a pot of water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, cool them under cold water and peel them. Chop the eggs into bite-sized pieces.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is your creamy dressing base.

4. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, apples, and chopped eggs. Gently toss them together, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

5. Dress the Salad

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently again until everything is coated. Garnish with fresh dill if desired for a burst of color and extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately or chill for a bit in the fridge for a refreshing cold salad. This dish is perfect as a side or a light lunch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 4g
  Cholesterol: 195mg
  Sodium: 230mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 14g
  Protein: 10g
  Vitamin A: 10%
  Vitamin C: 15%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for boiling eggs)
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Cucumber Apple with Egg Salad

This salad is versatile enough to be served in many ways:

On Its Own

Sometimes, simplicity is best. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or dinner on its own, paired with some crusty bread.

As a Side

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or a sandwich. It’s the perfect refreshing side to balance out richer dishes.

With Protein

Want to make it a more filling meal? Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted tofu to turn this salad into a complete dish.

On a Bed of Greens

For an extra boost of veggies, serve it on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. The fresh leaves will add another layer of crunch and nutrition.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to help make this salad even better:

Add Extra Crunch

Want some added texture? Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, or sprinkle a handful of sunflower seeds over the top for a crunchy contrast.

Experiment with Apples

While I love a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp, feel free to experiment with tart apples like Granny Smith for a bit of zing that will complement the creamy dressing.

Make It Ahead

This salad is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Adjust the Dressing

If you prefer a lighter version, feel free to swap out the mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt. You can also make the dressing a bit tangier by adding more apple cider vinegar or mustard, depending on your taste.

Use Fresh Herbs

While dill is a great garnish, you can try fresh parsley or chives for a different flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add color!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?
A1: Absolutely! Any sweet variety like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady will work well. Just avoid overly tart apples as they might overpower the other flavors.

Q2: How long can I store this salad?
A2: This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture, I recommend eating it within the first 24 hours, as the apples may soften and lose their crunch.

Q3: Can I make this salad vegan?
A3: Yes! You can replace the eggs with chickpeas or tofu, and use a vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternative for the dressing.

Q4: Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
A4: Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, celery, or even carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Q6: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A6: Yes, you can make the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q7: Can I add protein to this salad?
A7: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, tuna, or shrimp would be great additions to make this salad more filling.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?
A8: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Q9: Can I use a different kind of yogurt for the dressing?
A9: Yes, you can use plain regular yogurt or even a dairy-free version if preferred. Greek yogurt is best for its creaminess.

Q10: Can I serve this salad warm?
A10: While this salad is traditionally served cold, you could warm the hard-boiled eggs slightly in the microwave before adding them for a warm twist.

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Conclusion

Cucumber Apple with Egg Salad is the kind of dish that’s refreshing, nutritious, and totally satisfying. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner and can easily be adapted to your preferences. With the balance of crunchy cucumbers, sweet apples, and creamy eggs, it’s a salad that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try and enjoy a burst of fresh flavors in every bite!

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