Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a refreshing, crunchy, and sweet salad that combines a variety of textures and flavors. The tartness of the Honeycrisp apples, the sweetness of grapes and dried cranberries, the crunch of celery and pecans, and the creamy dressing make it a delightful side dish or a light lunch option. It’s perfect for fall, but delicious year-round!
Here’s a simple and easy recipe for Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries:
Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces (leave the skin on for extra crunch and color)
- 1 cup grapes, halved (red or green grapes work well)
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped or broken into pieces (toasted for extra flavor, if desired)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (you can use raisins if preferred)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt, or sour cream for a richer dressing)
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a different sweetness)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth and spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Chop the apples: Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can soak them in a little water with lemon juice to prevent browning, but it’s not necessary if you’re serving the salad right away.
- Slice the grapes: Halve the grapes so they’re easy to bite into and mix well with the other ingredients.
- Slice the celery: Cut the celery into thin slices or small diagonal pieces for a crisp texture.
- Toast the pecans (optional): For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant. This step enhances their nuttiness, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and cinnamon (optional).
- Taste the dressing and adjust with more honey for sweetness, lemon juice for tang, or a pinch of salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
3. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly. Be careful not to bruise the apples or grapes when tossing.
4. Serve:
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish, or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld. If you plan to make it ahead of time, toss the dressing just before serving to prevent the apples from becoming too soggy.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add some grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or tofu to make this salad a complete dish.
- Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer.
- Other Fruits: You can mix in other fruits, like sliced pears, oranges, or kiwi, for a fruit salad twist.
- Use a Lighter Dressing: If you want a lighter version, you can use low-fat yogurt or even hummus for the dressing base. Just adjust the sweetness and acidity accordingly.
- Make It Vegan: Use non-dairy yogurt (such as coconut or almond milk-based) and maple syrup instead of honey to make this salad fully vegan.
Serving Suggestions:
- This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roast chicken, or even a light fish like salmon or tilapia.
- Serve it with a side of crispy bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
- It’s also great as a brunch dish or a light lunch paired with a refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea.
This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing salad that works for various occasions, from casual lunches to holiday feasts!
