Name: Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced; 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved; 1 cup celery, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plain dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

A refreshing blend of sweet Honeycrisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, nutty pecans, and tart dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This apple salad is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweet, tart, and nutty notes blend beautifully in every bite.

Quick and Easy: It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, with no cooking involved.

Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a holiday staple.

Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to your preferences or dietary needs.

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced

2 cups red seedless grapes, halved

1 cup celery, thinly sliced

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plain dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, grapes, celery, pecans, and dried cranberries.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Serve chilled as a side dish or a light main course.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: None

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Variations

Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu for a heartier meal.

Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.

Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or blue cheese complements the salad wonderfully.

Seasonal Twist: Substitute pears or oranges for apples during the winter months.

Herbal Note: Sprinkle in fresh parsley or mint for extra freshness.

Storage/Reheating

Store the apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since the dressing contains yogurt, it’s best to consume it fresh. The apples may brown slightly, but tossing them with lemon juice helps to minimize this. This salad doesn’t require reheating—simply serve it chilled.

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FAQs

How can I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the sliced apples in lemon juice right after slicing to prevent browning.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the freshest texture, keep the dressing and salad ingredients separate until just before serving.

Is this salad suitable for vegans?

Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt and honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.

What other dressings can I use?

A light vinaigrette or a poppy seed dressing would pair well with this salad.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Pears, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds make excellent additions.

Conclusion

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. With minimal prep time and a variety of ways to customize it, this salad is perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Try it today and savor the refreshing taste!

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