Barley Free Apple-Cinnamon Cucumber Relish
Crisp cucumber and tart Granny Smith apple might sound like an unexpected pairing, but together they create something genuinely refreshing — bright, lightly sweet, and just a little spicy from the fresh ginger. A simple dressing of apple cider vinegar, honey, and ground Ceylon cinnamon ties everything together with warm, aromatic depth that feels a step above your average condiment. The whole thing comes together in one bowl with no cooking required, just a quick whisk and a 20-minute rest to let the flavors meld and the slices soften slightly. Many store-bought relishes and condiments sneak in grain-derived additives or malt vinegar, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to stay confident about what's in the jar. Every ingredient here is naturally whole and straightforward — fresh produce, raw honey, and spices with nothing hidden in the label. A scatter of fresh mint at the end adds a cool, herby lift that makes it feel almost fancy. Serve it alongside grilled proteins, pile it onto tacos, or eat it straight from the bowl — it's that good.
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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
- 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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