Apple Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, and Grapes Recipe
Introduction
This apple salad is a refreshing and sweet blend of crisp apples, crunchy celery, and juicy grapes, all brought together with a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light snack, especially during the warmer months.
Ingredients
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed (see notes)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss the cubed apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright flavor.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth. Add the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Cover the bowl and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter flavor or Fuji apples for extra sweetness.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving. The apples will slowly soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead and chill it. However, it’s best eaten within one day to enjoy the crisp texture of the apples.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can replace mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that still adds creaminess.
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Apple Salad with Pecans, Cranberries, and Grapes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing Apple Salad combines crisp Honeycrisp apples with a creamy, sweet dressing, crunchy pecans, and juicy red grapes, making it a perfect side dish or light snack. The blend of textures and flavors creates a delightful balance that’s both easy to prepare and pleasing to the palate.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
Add-ins
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Toss the Apples: In a large bowl, toss the cubed Honeycrisp apples with the freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning and add a citrusy brightness.
- Make the Dressing and Combine: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth. Add the lemon-coated apples, thinly sliced celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries to the dressing. Stir everything gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated with the creamy mixture.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool, enhancing the taste.
Notes
- Using Honeycrisp apples is recommended for their sweetness and crunch, but other varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith can be used if preferred.
- Chilling the salad is important for flavor development and maintaining crispness.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Chop pecans coarsely to add texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Salad, Honeycrisp apples, creamy apple salad, fruit salad, side dish, easy recipe
