This refreshing Apple Salad combines the crispness of Honeycrisp apples, the crunch of celery, the sweetness of grapes, the richness of pecans, and the tartness of dried cranberries. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a wonderful side dish or light lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this Apple Salad brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients to create something that's both satisfying and wholesome. The natural sweetness of the fruits contrasts beautifully with the nutty pecans and the fresh bite of celery. Plus, it’s quick to put together, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Honeycrisp apples, diced
- Celery stalks, thinly sliced
- Red grapes, halved
- Pecans, roughly chopped
- Dried cranberries
- Lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (optional, for dressing)
- Honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- I start by dicing the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- I slice the celery thinly and halve the grapes.
- In a large mixing bowl, I combine the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries.
- If I want a creamier texture, I gently fold in some Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, adding a drizzle of honey if the apples need a touch more sweetness.
- I season with a pinch of salt and pepper, give it a final toss, and it's ready to serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare.
Variations
When I want to switch things up, I sometimes use walnuts instead of pecans or add a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint. For a more decadent twist, I add some crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese. Occasionally, I also swap the Greek yogurt for a light vinaigrette dressing to keep it extra refreshing.
Storage/reheating
I store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the salad contains fresh fruits, it's best enjoyed soon after making it. If I use yogurt or mayonnaise in the dressing, I make sure to stir it well before serving any leftovers. This salad is served cold, so no reheating is needed.
FAQs
How do I keep the apples from browning?
I always toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice right after cutting to keep them fresh and prevent browning.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
I usually prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. I mix everything together just before serving to keep it crisp.
What type of dressing works best?
I like using a simple mix of Greek yogurt and honey, but a light vinaigrette or even just a squeeze of fresh lemon works beautifully too.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, I sometimes mix Honeycrisp with Granny Smith apples for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the yogurt or mayonnaise is gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
I find this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries to be a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's colorful, easy to make, and packed with fresh flavors that everyone enjoys. I always get asked for the recipe whenever I bring it to gatherings!
Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook, Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This refreshing Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples is the perfect balance of crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, rich pecans, and tart dried cranberries. Ideal as a light lunch or vibrant side dish, it’s easy to prepare and naturally gluten-free, offering a colorful, nutritious option for gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients
- 3 Honeycrisp apples, diced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (optional, for dressing)
- 1–2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Dice the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Thinly slice the celery and halve the grapes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries.
- For a creamy texture, fold in Greek yogurt or mayonnaise and drizzle with honey if desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss everything together and serve immediately.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
- Walnuts can replace pecans if preferred.
- For an indulgent twist, add crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese.
- If using a vinaigrette instead of yogurt, add just before serving.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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