Cucumber Apple With Egg Salad Recipe

Crisp Cucumber Apple Egg Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist

Cool cucumbers bring unexpected magic to this refreshing apple egg salad creation.

Crisp ingredients dance together in a delightful melody of flavors.

Fresh produce can spark surprising culinary adventures when combined thoughtfully.

Summer lunches deserve something special that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Texture and zest combine perfectly in this simple yet innovative dish.

Unexpected pairings often lead to the most memorable meals you’ll prepare.

Grab your ingredients and let’s make something extraordinary that will surprise everyone at the table.

FAQs

  • Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, Greek yogurt works perfectly as a healthier alternative and provides a similar creamy texture to mayonnaise.

  • How finely should I chop the cucumber and apple?

Dice them into small, uniform cubes about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor in each bite.

  • Is fresh dill necessary for the recipe?

While fresh dill adds a lovely herbaceous flavor, you can substitute with dried dill or skip it entirely if you don’t have it on hand.

  • Can I make this egg salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this egg salad up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reasons to Love Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from eggs, hydrating cucumber, and fiber-rich apple, this salad delivers a balanced blend of essential nutrients in one delightful dish.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and prep time, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a speedy yet satisfying meal solution.
  • Versatile Serving Champion: Transforms easily from a standalone salad to sandwich filling or green topper, adapting to different meal preferences and occasions with remarkable flexibility.
  • Cool Comfort Food: Refreshing and chilled, this recipe offers a light, creamy texture that provides comfort without feeling heavy, ideal for warm days or light lunch cravings.

Ingredients for Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

Protein Base:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs provide the protein foundation for this light and creamy salad.
Fresh Produce:
  • Cucumber: Crisp cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and coolness to the salad.
  • Apple: Sweet and tangy apple brings a subtle fruity note to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that provides a subtle tangy kick.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a zesty freshness.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
  • Fresh Dill: Delicate herb that introduces a mild, aromatic herb note to the salad.

How to Prepare Cucumber Apple Egg Salad Easily

Step 1: Crack and Chop Eggs

Carefully crack eggs into a cutting board and dice them into small, uniform pieces using a sharp knife. Aim for bite-sized chunks that will blend nicely with other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Produce

Wash cucumber and apple thoroughly. Dice both into similar-sized small cubes to ensure consistent texture and easy mixing:
  • Cucumber
  • Apple

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth and well combined:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lemon juice

Step 4: Blend Ingredients

Gently fold all prepared ingredients into the creamy dressing:
  • Chopped eggs
  • Diced cucumber
  • Diced apple

Step 5: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle in seasonings to elevate the flavor profile:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Fresh dill (optional)

Step 6: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.

This allows ingredients to meld and flavors to intensify.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled as a standalone dish, sandwich filling, or atop crisp mixed greens.

Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.

Helpful Tips for Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangy, protein-rich twist that adds extra nutrition to the egg salad.
  • Pat cucumber and apple dry with paper towels before chopping to remove excess moisture and maintain a thick, creamy texture.
  • Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to blend and develop a more complex taste profile.
  • Swap fresh dill with chopped chives, parsley, or basil to create different flavor variations and keep the dish exciting.
  • Prepare the egg salad a day in advance and store in an airtight container for quick, convenient meal prep.

Flavor Variations for Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace bread with crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter, carb-conscious version of the egg salad.
  • Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with mashed tofu or chickpeas, using vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based protein option.
  • Greek-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and swap dill for oregano to create a Mediterranean-style egg salad.
  • Spicy Kick Edition: Incorporate diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, and smoked paprika for those who enjoy a zesty flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the fresh cucumber and apple notes, enhancing the egg salad’s tangy profile with its bright, zesty character.

Toasted sourdough bread provides a robust, slightly sour base that balances the creamy egg salad and adds delightful textural contrast.

A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the egg salad, creating a refreshing and balanced meal experience.

A cool mint or chamomile iced tea offers a subtle, refreshing accompaniment that echoes the dill and lightens the dish’s creamy texture.

Best Storage for Cucumber Apple Egg Salad

  • Transfer leftover egg salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Avoid freezing this salad as the cucumber and apple will become watery and lose their crisp texture when thawed.
  • Gently stir the cold egg salad before serving to redistribute ingredients. If slightly dry, add a small amount of fresh mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to restore creamy consistency.
  • Always smell and visually inspect the salad before consuming. Discard if there are any signs of spoilage, unusual odor, or separation of ingredients.
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Cucumber Apple With Egg Salad Recipe

Cucumber Apple With Egg Salad Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty Cucumber Apple Egg Salad dances with crisp ingredients, blending refreshing textures and tangy flavors. Cool summer freshness meets protein-packed goodness, inviting taste buds to explore a light, satisfying meal that delights and nourishes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

Fresh Produce:

  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 crisp apple, cored and diced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) chopped fresh dill

Dressing and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Finely chop hard-boiled eggs into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
  2. Dice cucumber and apple into precise, small cubes approximately the same size for balanced flavor distribution.
  3. Transfer chopped ingredients into a spacious mixing vessel, creating a colorful base for the egg salad.
  4. Drizzle creamy mayonnaise or tangy Greek yogurt over the mixture to provide rich, smooth binding.
  5. Add zesty Dijon mustard and freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the overall flavor profile and brighten the dish.
  6. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the taste, adjusting seasoning according to preference.
  7. Incorporate finely chopped fresh dill for an aromatic herbaceous note that complements the eggs and produce.
  8. Gently fold all components together, ensuring delicate mixing to prevent breaking the egg pieces.
  9. Cover the salad and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop deeper flavors.
  10. Serve thoroughly chilled as a standalone dish, nestled on crisp mixed greens, or tucked inside soft sandwiches and wraps.

Notes

  • Opt for crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to add a perfect balance of tartness and crunch to the salad.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed version that’s lower in calories and adds a tangy flavor.
  • Quickly blanch eggs for easier peeling by placing them in boiling water for exactly 10 minutes, then immediately transferring to an ice bath.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time and store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to develop more intensely in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 143 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 185 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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