AIP Friendly Apple-Cinnamon Cucumber Relish
Crisp cucumber and tart Granny Smith apple might sound like an unlikely pairing, but the combination is genuinely refreshing — bright, a little sweet, and just tangy enough to wake up your palate. A simple dressing of apple cider vinegar, honey, freshly grated ginger, and ground Ceylon cinnamon pulls everything together in a way that feels almost effortless. One of the trickier parts of following the autoimmune protocol is finding condiments and sides that don't sneak in nightshades, grains, or seed-based spices — this relish sidesteps all of that with a short, clean ingredient list. Ceylon cinnamon in particular is a smart choice here, offering warm, delicate flavor without the coumarin concerns of cassia varieties. After just 20 minutes of resting, the cucumber and apple soften slightly and soak up the dressing, turning a handful of simple ingredients into something that tastes like it took real effort. A scatter of fresh mint at the end adds a cool, herby lift that makes the whole bowl feel a little more special. It serves four and works beautifully alongside grilled meat, as a light snack, or anywhere you'd normally reach for a store-bought relish loaded with questionable additives.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 large english cucumber (about 12 oz), thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 medium granny smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Ingredient noteAIP restricts added sweeteners, but small occasional amounts of unrefined honey are accepted on the protocol; the ~3/4 teaspoon per serving here likely stays within that limited allowance. If you prefer to always avoid honey, please tap it and change its rating to Red.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, ground Ceylon cinnamon, and sea salt until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth.
- 2
Combine the sliced cucumber and apple in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
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