Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe – Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing & Pomegranate

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Cucumber Salad Recipe – Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing & Pomegranate

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this incredibly refreshing Apple Cucumber Salad with you. It’s one of those recipes I stumbled upon when I was craving something light, flavorful, and a little bit different. The cinnamon in the balsamic dressing? Trust me, it’s a game changer! It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even a light dinner on a warm evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is seriously a winner. It’s quick to put together – we’re talking about 15 minutes! – and it’s packed with fresh, crunchy veggies and a sweet-tangy dressing that’s just chef’s kiss. Plus, the pomegranate arils add a beautiful pop of color and a delightful burst of sweetness. It’s healthy, vibrant, and honestly, just makes you feel good from the inside out.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Large pinch of cinnamon powder
• Few drops of lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 tbsp honey or pineapple/orange juice
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1 apple
• 1 cucumber
• 1 small carrot
• Small bowl of pomegranate arils
• Lettuce leaves (your choice!)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few things really make this salad shine:

• Cinnamon in Balsamic Dressing: Don’t skip the cinnamon! It sounds unusual, but it adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the balsamic vinegar and honey beautifully. I use Ceylon cinnamon if I have it, but any cinnamon works.
• Pomegranate Arils: These little jewels are worth the effort. They add a lovely sweetness and a satisfying crunch. You can usually find them pre-seeded in most supermarkets now, which saves a ton of time.
• Lettuce Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of lettuce. Romaine, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix all work wonderfully. I personally love using a mix of red and green leaf lettuce for visual appeal.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. First, let’s make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, cinnamon powder, lemon juice, salt, pepper, honey (or pineapple/orange juice), and toasted sesame seeds. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined.
2. Now for the veggies! Chop the apple and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Grate the carrot – a box grater works perfectly.
3. Add the chopped apple, cucumber, grated carrot, and those gorgeous pomegranate arils to the bowl with the dressing.
4. Finally, add in your lettuce leaves. Toss everything thoroughly until all the veggies are evenly coated with that delicious cinnamon balsamic dressing.
5. Pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to get nice and chilled.

Expert Tips

Here are a few little things I’ve learned over the years that will take your salad to the next level:

• Toast those sesame seeds! It really brings out their flavor. Just a quick toast in a dry pan is all you need.
• Don’t overdress the salad. You want the veggies to be coated, not swimming in dressing.
• Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Variations

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

• Spice Level – Mild: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit the pepper or use just a tiny pinch.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey or juice in the dressing.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the sesame seeds, or substitute with sunflower seeds.
• Summer Salad Adaptation: In the summer, I love adding some chopped mango or peaches to this salad for an extra tropical twist. My friend, Priya, always adds a little chopped mint too!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own as a light lunch. It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. I often serve it as a side dish at potlucks and barbecues – it’s always a hit!

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. Keep in mind that the lettuce may wilt slightly over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this salad best served immediately, or does it benefit from chilling? Chilling for 10-15 minutes definitely enhances the flavors!
• Can I use a different type of lettuce? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• What can I substitute for honey in the dressing? Pineapple juice or orange juice work great. Maple syrup is another option, but it will change the flavor slightly.
• Can I add protein to make it a complete meal? Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese would all be delicious additions.
• How can I prevent the apples from browning? A squeeze of lemon juice over the chopped apples will help prevent browning.

Enjoy! I really hope you love this Apple Cucumber Salad as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!