This apple salad is a delightful blend of sweet Honeycrisp apples, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy, sweet dressing. Enhanced with lemon juice to keep the apples bright and fresh, and accented with dried cranberries for a touch of tartness, this salad is a perfect side dish that brings a refreshing crunch to any meal. Whether served at a summer picnic or as a festive fall side, this apple salad is sure to be a hit with its vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Fresh and Flavorful: Utilizes fresh fruits and a vibrant dressing to create a dish that’s both refreshing and rich in flavors.
• Perfect Texture Balance: Combines the crunch of apples and pecans with the creaminess of the dressing for a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Versatile: Excellent as a side dish, light lunch, or a complement to grilled meats, making it perfect for various dining occasions.
Ingredients
• For the Salad:
• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• For the Dressing:
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples:
• Thoroughly wash the Honeycrisp apples under cold water and pat them dry. Cube the apples into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the cubed apples and toss to coat evenly. This will add a zesty flavor and prevent the apples from browning.
2. Make the Dressing:
• In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth and the sugar is fully dissolved. The dressing should be creamy with a hint of sweetness to balance the tart lemon juice.
3. Combine Ingredients:
• Add the dressed apples to the bowl with the dressing. Follow with the sliced celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
• Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing without over-mixing to maintain the texture of the ingredients.
4. Chill the Salad:
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the salad’s refreshing taste.
5. Serve:
• After chilling, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Serve chilled as a delightful side dish or a light main course.
Tips
• Apple Selection: Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweet flavor and crisp texture, but you can also use other crisp varieties like Pink Lady or Gala.
• Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and crunch.
• Dressing Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise or add a dash of cinnamon for a spicy twist.
Storage Options
• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Best Served Fresh: While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can be kept refrigerated and should be stirred before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
This apple salad is a celebration of textures and flavors that come together beautifully in each bite. Enjoy this refreshing dish alongside your favorite main courses or as a standalone treat!
