Apple Zucchini Salad

Fresh salads and summer go hand-in-hand when gardens and farmers markets are bursting with produce. This apple zucchini salad is a perfect summer salad recipe, but it also works as the seasons shift into fall. Tender chunks of zucchini, crisp apples and rich walnuts are tossed with Italian dressing to create a refreshing and vibrant side dish. Zucchini has a mild taste and quickly takes on the flavors of whatever it’s combined with, making zucchini salad recipes a reliable choice for a family-friendly vegetable dish.

Serve it at picnics next to your favorite potluck salads or as a side with an easy weeknight dinner. Even though there are only four ingredients, you can still adjust it based on what you have on hand. Use pecans instead of walnuts, replace half the zucchini with yellow squash, toss in some freshly chopped parsley or use a different dressing. If you don’t usually think of a fresh zucchini salad when planning dinner, this recipe will move it to the top of the list.

Apple Zucchini Salad Ingredients

• Apples: Choose a firm, crunchy apple that doesn’t brown easily, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. If you prefer a tart apple, use Granny Smith, though the green skin will not contrast with the zucchini as nicely as a red apple.
• Zucchini: Zucchini is a dark green summer squash with a mild, almost sweet taste. You can cook, pickle or enjoy it raw, as in this recipe.
• Walnuts: Coarsely chopped walnuts add a welcome crunch and a buttery, lightly bitter taste that complements the fresh produce. Consider candied walnuts if you want a sweeter taste.
• Italian salad dressing: Choose the best Italian dressing to make your salad shine, or make a homemade salad dressing.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the salad

In a large bowl, combine the apples, zucchini and walnuts.

Step 2: Add the dressing and combine

Add the Italian salad dressing and toss to coat.

Recipe Variations

• Swap in different nuts: If you don’t love walnuts, use toasted almonds, hazelnuts or pecans.
• Use a different salad dressing: Instead of Italian dressing, try a citrusy lemon vinaigrette or lean into summer flavors with a strawberry vinaigrette.
• Add feta: Sharp and salty feta would add another layer of flavor to this simple salad. For the creamiest feta, buy a block and crumble it into the bowl. If feta isn’t your thing, try chunks of a mild blue cheese or freshly shaved Parmesan.

How to Store Apple Zucchini Salad

Store leftover apple zucchini salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Zucchini will release water as it sits and the apples will eventually brown, so this salad should be eaten within one to two days.

Can you make apple zucchini salad ahead of time?

You can prep the apples and zucchini ahead of time, but we recommend combining the salad and dressing right before serving to preserve the crunch of the fresh produce. Toss chopped apples with lemon juice to keep them from browning if prepping in advance.

Apple Zucchini Salad Tips

How can I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?

Zucchini has a high water content, so to prevent it from becoming watery, sprinkle the chopped zucchini with salt and let it sit in a colander for about 20 minutes. The salt will pull water out of the squash so it doesn’t dilute the dressing. Rinse and pat the zucchini dry before tossing it with the remaining salad ingredients.

Which types of apples pair best with zucchini?

This recipe recommends a red-skinned apple to add color to the salad. You can pick from favorites like Gala and Honeycrisp or try new types of apples, like Cosmic Crisp, Jazz or Envy. Choose a crisp apple with a sweet-tart flavor so it holds its shape and complements the zucchini and walnuts.

Can I use spiralized zucchini or ribbons to make apple zucchini salad?

You can use spiralized zucchini (maybe you call them zucchini noodles or zoodles) or zucchini ribbons instead of chunks in this apple zucchini salad, but it will change the texture. Spiralized zucchini has a firmer, more noodle-like texture, whereas thin ribbons made with a vegetable peeler are softer and silkier. These shapes create more volume than chunks, so you may need more dressing to coat everything evenly.