Author: Maggie | Nourish on Time

Some days, you want something fresh and nourishing without turning it into a project.

This apple-cucumber crunch salad is light, refreshing, and versatile with easy protein add-ins and both homemade and store-bought dressing options, depending on how busy your day is.

What You Need

• 1 apple,
• 1 cucumber,
• Dressing of choice

Add protein (Use what you have, such as):
Cottage cheese, canned chickpeas (rinsed), Greek yogurt, nuts, seeds, or leftover rotisserie chicken.

How to Make It (5 Minutes)

1. Slice the apple and cucumber
2. Add to a bowl
3. Toss with dressing of choice
4. Add protein if using
5. Eat immediately or pack to go

Easy Homemade Dressings That Pair Well

1️⃣ Lemon + Olive Oil (Clean & Classic)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

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2️⃣ Honey Lemon (Lightly Sweet)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

3️⃣ Yogurt Citrus (Creamy & Filling)

• 2 tbsp plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• Pinch of salt

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4️⃣ Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing (Bright & Sharp)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Store-Bought Dressing Options (Busy-Day Approved)

If that’s what makes this meal happen, use it — no guilt.

Good matches for this salad:

• Lemon vinaigrette
• Apple cider vinaigrette
• Honey mustard
• Greek or yogurt-based dressing
• Simple balsamic vinaigrette

👉 Start with 1–2 tablespoons — apples already add natural sweetness.

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Practical Tips (Time + Money Wins)

• Use a chopper if you have one — faster prep, same nourishment.
• Leave apple skin on — no peeling required
• Use seasonal apples for the best price
• Prep ingredients once, store in separate containers, and assemble when ready.
• If prepping ahead, add lemon to the apples to keep them fresh, bright, and crunchy.
• Skip complicated dressings — simple flavors shine here

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Why This Works

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✔ No cooking
✔ Fresh but filling
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Homemade or store-bought friendly
✔ Ready in minutes

Simple ingredients. Flexible choices. Nourishment that fits real life 💛

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If you’re short on time and on a budget, this fits into my guide on how to nourish on time without stress.

Let’s be honest—most of us want food that is nourishing, cheap, and fast. But by the time life finishes life-ing, we’re eating snacks straight from the bag 😅
Enter this 5-minute yogurt parfait: no cooking, no fancy tools, no guilt, and made with simple ingredients you can find anywhere.

What You Need

• 1 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular)
• ½ cup fruit (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ cup granola or oats.

Optional (only if handy): honey or any sweetener of your choice, peanut butter, seeds. and cinnamon.

Greek yogurt offers more protein and staying power, but this parfait also works with plant-based yogurt and any toppings you prefer.

How to Make it(5 minutes)

1. Add half of the yogurt to a glass or bowl
2. Layer half of the fruit first
3. Then layer half of the granola. (Layering it this way helps keep the granola crunchy for longer)
4. Add the remaining yogurt
5. Finish with the remaining fruit and granola
6. Drizzle with honey or add any desired toppings.

Practical Tips

• Go for plain yogurt — cheaper, healthier, and bulk-friendly for bigger savings
• Frozen fruit is often cheaper, ready to use, and lasts longer
• Make 2-3 at once and store in the fridge for a grab -and -go breakfast.
• Keep ingredients visible in the refrigerator— if you see it, you’ll use it.

Why This Works

✔ Done in 5 minutes
✔ Affordable & flexible
✔ Great for busy mornings
✔ Nourishing without overthinking

Quick, filling, and actually doable—even on chaotic days 💛

If you’re short on time and on a budget, this fits into my guide on how to nourish on time without stress.