Easy Apple Cucumber Crunch Salad (Fresh, No-Cook & Protein-Friendly)

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.