Sweet and Tangy Cucumber and Apple Salad
Crispy Cucumber and Apple Salad Recipe – Perfect for Kids and Toddlers
Introducing our delightful ‘Cucumber and Apple Salad’ recipe, designed to captivate your children’s taste buds with its refreshing and crisp texture! As my eldest child prepares to start kindergarten, I’ve gradually begun introducing a little chili powder to their diet. This recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be mild and delicious, encouraging little ones to try new flavors without hesitation. The sweetness of the apple beautifully complements the freshness of the cucumber, creating a taste that children absolutely adore.
Ingredients- 1/2 apple (approx. 120g)
- 1/2 white cucumber (approx. 60g)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of sesame seeds
- Pinch of sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, remove the seeds from the apple and peel it thinly. Then, slice it into thin, bite-sized pieces, about the size of a fingernail. For children’s dishes, white cucumbers are preferred for their tender texture over regular green cucumbers. If using green cucumbers, gently rub them with coarse salt and rinse to remove any bitterness.
Step 2
2. Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and gently scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice the white cucumber thinly while keeping its shape. In a bowl, combine the prepared apple and cucumber. Add 1 Tbsp of plum extract, 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic, 1 Tbsp of sesame oil, a very small amount of chili powder for the children, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything gently. (You can omit the chili powder or adjust the amount to be very minimal.)
Step 3
3. It’s crucial to slice both the apple and cucumber very thinly. This ensures that even young children with developing teeth can easily chew and enjoy the salad, preventing any aversion to the food. My own child often spits out larger pieces, but loves them when sliced thinly like this. This salad, akin to a fresh kimchi (geotjeori), made with seasonal apples and cucumbers, makes for a wonderful winter delicacy.
Step 4
4. Apples are naturally sweet these days, so additional sugar might not be necessary, but I’ve added a tiny bit to balance the cucumber’s unique aroma, which some children might dislike. While I generally use minimal sugar in my children’s dishes, when I do add it, I prefer healthier sweeteners like xylitol sugar. This recipe keeps the sugar content to a minimum, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
