Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Cucumber Mozzarella Salad Recipe – Pistachio & Raisin Crunch

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this salad. It’s seriously become a staple at my place, especially during the warmer months. I first whipped this up last summer when I was craving something light, refreshing, and just a little bit different. The sweet crunch of apples and pistachios with the creamy mozzarella? It’s a flavor explosion! And honestly, it’s so easy to throw together, it feels almost like cheating. You’ll absolutely love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cucumber Mozzarella Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick – ready in under 10 minutes! It’s super refreshing, perfect for a hot day. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures is seriously addictive. Plus, it’s a beautiful salad, making it perfect for potlucks or a special lunch.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:

• 2 medium-sized apples
• 4 medium heads lettuce
• 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese pearls (bocconcini)
• 2 cups cucumber
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup croutons
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Apple Varieties for Salad

I love using Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for this salad because they hold their shape well and have a lovely sweetness. Granny Smith apples also work if you prefer a bit of tartness. About 300-400g of apples should do the trick.

Mozzarella Pearls vs. Other Mozzarella

Mozzarella pearls (bocconcini) are ideal because of their size and delicate texture. But if you can’t find them, you can absolutely use a block of mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces – around 100-150g.

The Role of Pistachios in Indian Cuisine

Pistachios (pistā) aren’t just delicious; they have a special place in Indian cuisine! They’re often used in desserts, savory dishes, and even as a garnish. Their vibrant green color and slightly sweet, nutty flavor add a touch of luxury to any dish. About 30-40g of pistachios is perfect here.

Using High-Quality Olive Oil

A good quality extra virgin olive oil really shines in the dressing. It adds a fruity richness that elevates the whole salad. Around 30ml is what we’re aiming for.

Spice Level Customization with Crushed Red Pepper

I love a little kick, so I always add a pinch of crushed red pepper. But feel free to adjust this to your liking – or leave it out altogether if you’re not a fan of spice!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add your chopped lettuce, apple slices, cucumber, mozzarella pearls, and fresh parsley.
2. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, crushed red pepper (if using), and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined.
3. Pour that beautiful dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Now, just before serving, add the croutons, raisins, and chopped pistachios. This keeps them nice and crunchy!
5. If you’re feeling spicy, sprinkle with a little extra crushed red pepper. Serve immediately with some buttered, crisp bread. It’s the perfect accompaniment!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this salad even better:

Achieving the Perfect Dressing Emulsion

Whisking the dressing vigorously is key to getting a nice, emulsified texture. This means the oil and lemon juice combine properly instead of separating.

Preventing Lettuce from Wilting

Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing. Wet lettuce will get soggy quickly.

Toasting Pistachios for Enhanced Flavor

Toasting the pistachios lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes really brings out their flavor. Keep a close eye on them, as they burn easily!

Choosing Ripe, But Firm Apples

You want apples that are ripe and flavorful, but still firm enough to hold their shape in the salad.

Balancing Sweetness and Spice

Don’t be afraid to play around with the amount of crushed red pepper to find your perfect balance of sweet and spicy.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Apple Cucumber Salad

Simply swap the mozzarella pearls for a vegan feta cheese alternative. There are some great options available now!

Gluten-Free Apple Cucumber Salad

Just make sure your croutons are gluten-free. You can also skip them altogether or use gluten-free crackers crumbled on top.

Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Omit the crushed red pepper.
• Medium: Use ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper.
• Hot: Use 1 teaspoon or more of crushed red pepper, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Summer Salad Adaptation – Adding Mango

During mango season, adding diced mango takes this salad to a whole new level of deliciousness! My family loves this addition.

Festival Adaptation – Navratri/Janmashtami Fruit Salad Twist

During festivals like Navratri or Janmashtami, add other fruits like pomegranate seeds, grapes, and bananas for a festive fruit salad twist.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch or side dish. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. I often serve it with a side of warm naan bread for soaking up the delicious dressing.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The croutons will lose their crunch, so you might want to add fresh croutons when serving leftovers.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

Can I make the salad dressing ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.

What is the best way to store leftover salad?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the lettuce and croutons may become soggy.

Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?

Definitely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans would all be delicious substitutes.

Is it necessary to use mozzarella pearls, or can I use another type of mozzarella?

No, it’s not necessary. You can use any type of mozzarella you like, just cut it into bite-sized pieces.

Can this salad be served as a light meal?

Yes, absolutely! It’s a very satisfying and nutritious light meal, especially if you add a side of protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.