Quick Crisp Apple Cucumber Salad

Get ready for a salad that’s incredibly simple yet bursts with delightful flavor! This dish is wonderfully crisp, sweet, and refreshingly light. It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a low-salt, low-oil, low-fat option that comes together in a flash. Perfect for a hot summer day, this salad is a cooling treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Prepare to be amazed by how a few simple ingredients can create such a vibrant taste experience!

Before we dive in, let’s gather what you’ll need. This recipe is designed for speed and simplicity, taking only about 10 minutes from start to finish and is at a beginner-friendly difficulty level. The star here is the bright, fruity flavor profile, balanced with a savory touch.

Here are the ingredients required for our quick salad:

• Cucumber: 1 medium
  • Tip: For this recipe, we’re focusing on the crisp outer flesh. Any type of cucumber will work, but English or Persian cucumbers are great choices as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin.
• Apple: ¼ medium
  • Tip: A crisp, slightly tart apple like a Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp works best to maintain that refreshing crunch.
• Imitation Crab Sticks (Surimi): About 2-3 sticks, or to your liking.
  • Note: These are commonly found in the refrigerated section of most supermarkets, often near the deli or seafood. They are made from processed white fish. If you can’t find them or prefer an alternative, you could substitute with finely shredded cooked chicken, small cooked shrimp, or even a firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Roasted Sesame Paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Note: This is different from tahini, though tahini can serve as a substitute in a pinch. True roasted sesame paste has a richer, nuttier, and often darker flavor. Look for brands from Asian grocery stores. If using tahini, it will offer a similar creaminess but a slightly different taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: ½ tablespoon, or to taste
  • Tip: This adds a lovely tang that complements the sweetness of the apple and the richness of the sesame paste. Regular white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used if apple cider vinegar isn’t available.

Now, let’s get this vibrant salad assembled!

1. Start by preparing your cucumber. Wash it thoroughly. You’ll want to peel about two-thirds of the cucumber skin off in stripes, leaving some skin on for visual appeal and texture. Then, grate the cucumber. Discard the seedy core, as we only need the firm outer flesh.
2. Next, prepare your apple. Core the apple and then grate it, aiming for strands that are roughly the same thickness as your cucumber strands. This ensures everything mixes together beautifully.
3. If you’re using imitation crab sticks, gently shred them into thin strips with your fingers. If the crab sticks are a bit firm or sticky, you can carefully slice them into thin strands instead.
4. Combine all your prepared ingredients – the grated cucumber, grated apple, and shredded crab sticks – in a mixing bowl.
5. Add the roasted sesame paste to the bowl. Start with one tablespoon.
6. Drizzle in about half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add more or less based on your preference for tanginess.
7. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the sesame paste and vinegar dressing. Ensure every strand is lightly coated for maximum flavor.
8. And voilà! Your incredibly easy and delicious salad is ready to be served.

This Quick Crisp Apple Cucumber Salad is truly a winner for its simplicity and bright, clean taste. The crunch from the cucumber and apple, combined with the sweet and savory notes from the crab imitation and sesame paste, creates a delightful sensory experience. It’s light enough to be a perfect palate cleanser, a refreshing side dish, or even a quick, healthy lunch option. You’ll be amazed by how something so simple can taste so good, especially on a warm day when you crave something cool and invigorating. Give it a try and let the crisp, fruity flavors transport you! We’d love to hear about your experience – feel free to share your thoughts or any fun variations you discover in the comments below!