This Apple Salad recipe combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, celery, juicy red grapes, and a blend of nuts and dried fruits to create a refreshing and wholesome salad. Perfect for a light lunch, a holiday side dish, or a satisfying snack, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the crunch of pecans to the tart sweetness of cranberries, all wrapped in a creamy honey-mayo dressing.

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Detailed Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by washing all fresh produce thoroughly. Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. For optimal presentation, consider uniform cuts to give the salad a more polished look. Chop the celery stalks finely, aiming for a balance of texture without overpowering the other elements. Halve the red grapes and roughly chop the pecans, ensuring each piece is bite-sized.
  2. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped apples, celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. This combination gives the salad a harmonious mix of flavors and textures: the crisp apples and celery balance with the tender grapes, crunchy pecans, and chewy cranberries.
  3. Prepare the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. The honey provides a natural sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples, while the lemon juice prevents browning and adds a touch of acidity for balance.
  4. Combine the Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to toss the ingredients gently, ensuring that the dressing coats each component evenly. This step is crucial for achieving a well-blended flavor in each bite.
  5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to meld with the ingredients, enhancing the salad’s overall taste. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for later use.

Tips for Perfect Apple Salad

  • Choose the Right Apples: Honeycrisp apples are ideal for this recipe because of their sweet-tart flavor and firm texture. If you prefer a milder apple flavor, try Gala or Fuji apples. For a more tart option, consider Granny Smith.
  • Use Fresh Celery for Crispness: Fresh, crisp celery adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. Be sure to chop it finely to distribute its flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • Add Toasted Pecans for Extra Flavor: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad brings out their natural oils and adds a deeper, nuttier flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
  • Experiment with Additional Ingredients: While the core ingredients of this salad offer a fantastic flavor profile, you can customize it by adding other elements such as sliced almonds, fresh herbs like parsley, or a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.
  • Dress Just Before Serving: For maximum freshness, toss the salad with the dressing right before serving. If you’re preparing it in advance, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.

Nutritional Information and Benefits

This Apple Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Honeycrisp apples are rich in dietary fiber and vitamin C, contributing to digestive health and immune support. Celery is low in calories yet high in antioxidants and vitamin K, while grapes add a touch of natural sweetness and hydration. Pecans provide heart-healthy fats and protein, and dried cranberries contribute antioxidants.

Serving Suggestions

  • Lunch and Brunch: Serve this Apple Salad as a light, refreshing lunch on its own or as part of a brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with quiche, sandwiches, or a simple vegetable soup.
  • Holiday Gatherings: This salad is a fantastic addition to any holiday table. Its festive colors and mix of sweet and savory flavors make it an excellent complement to roasted meats, casseroles, or seasonal vegetables.
  • Picnic and Potluck Friendly: With no fragile greens, this salad holds up well over time, making it an ideal choice for picnics or potluck events. Just be sure to store it in a cooler or refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

Variations and Customizations

  1. Vegan Option: To make the dressing vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or creamy avocado. You can also replace honey with maple syrup for a plant-based sweetener.
  2. Add Protein: For a more substantial salad, add grilled chicken breast or cubed turkey. This turns the dish into a satisfying main course while still maintaining a light and refreshing profile.
  3. Try Greek Yogurt for a Healthier Twist: Swap the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that is lower in calories but still creamy and delicious.
  4. Add Extra Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add an aromatic, earthy quality to the salad. Use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the sweetness of the apples and honey.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly over time, but the lemon juice helps reduce this effect.
  • Dressing Storage: If preparing the salad in advance, store the dressing separately from the other ingredients and mix just before serving to keep everything as fresh as possible.

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, honey-infused dressing brings the components together, while the lemon juice keeps the apples vibrant and fresh. Whether served as a light lunch, holiday side, or part of a larger meal, this salad is a versatile and nutritious addition to any menu.

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries- Don’t Lose This
Ingredients:
2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries.
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Toss salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for later