If you’re searching for a perfectly crisp and refreshing dish, look no further than this vibrant Apple Salad. Bursting with juicy apples, crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and a tangy-creamy dressing, this salad does it all—whether you need a quick lunch, a holiday side, or just a reason to celebrate apple season. This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to all year long, and every, single bite is filled with bold flavors and cheerful color!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Apple Salad are delightfully simple, but every one plays an unmissable part in building its texture and flavor. Gather them fresh, and prepare for a salad that sings with both crunch and creaminess.
- Apples: Pick crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for maximum juiciness and that fresh crunch—it’s the heart of Apple Salad!
- Lemon juice: A splash keeps your apples from browning and gives a bright pop to the whole dish.
- Celery: Thinly sliced, it adds refreshing crunch and a subtle, earthy flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for tiny bursts of mild, savory sharpness in every bite.
- Walnuts or pecans: Chopped for a rich, toasty nutty crunch—essential for great texture in this salad.
- Dried cranberries or raisins: Either one brings pops of chewiness and sweetness, contrasting beautifully with fresh apples.
- Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Greek yogurt keeps things light and tangy, while mayo offers classic creaminess—either works depending on your mood.
- Honey: A drizzle blends into the dressing for perfect, natural sweetness that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Just enough to bring all the flavors forward and round out the salad.
How to Make Apple Salad
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by coring and chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss them with lemon juice in a large bowl. This stops any browning in its tracks and infuses a hint of citrus that brightens the entire Apple Salad.
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Color
To the bowl with apples, add your thinly sliced celery, finely chopped red onion, nuts, and dried cranberries or raisins. Take a moment to appreciate the gorgeous colors—these are the ingredients that make this salad so pretty on the table and so exciting to bite into.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy—the dressing should be velvety, and you can taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your preference.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the apple mixture. Gently fold everything together until every piece is glistening with the dressing and the salad looks completely unified. Try to resist sneaking a taste—you want the Apple Salad to chill for just a bit before serving.
Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. This short rest allows all the flavors to meld and the texture to set so each bite is cool, crisp, and perfectly seasoned when you serve.
How to Serve Apple Salad
Garnishes
Top your Apple Salad with a little extra chopped nuts, a scatter of fresh herbs like parsley or celery leaves, or even a few slivers of thinly sliced radish for an extra crunch and a burst of color. A simple finishing drizzle of honey works wonders, too!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs effortlessly with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or simple sandwiches, making it a flexible companion at both lunch and dinner. For a vegetarian meal, serve Apple Salad alongside a warm bowl of soup or fresh whole-grain bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun and impressive, pile Apple Salad into individual mason jars, or serve it over a bed of baby greens in a large salad bowl. It’s fantastic as a topping for a crostini appetizer, or neatly scooped into endive leaves for a pretty and portable party bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Give it a gentle stir before serving since the dressing may settle or separate. The apples might soften a bit, but the salad will still taste delicious and fresh.
Freezing
It’s best not to freeze Apple Salad. The apples and celery will turn soft and watery after thawing, and the creamy dressing can become grainy—this is one dish made to be enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
No reheating needed—Apple Salad is designed to be enjoyed cold and crisp. If the salad’s been in the fridge, let it sit out for five to ten minutes just to take off the chill before serving, letting all the flavors shine.
FAQs
Which apples are best for Apple Salad?
Crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji are ideal, but you can mix in a tart green apple like Granny Smith for a little extra zing and depth of flavor.
Can I make Apple Salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a vegan mayo or a plant-based yogurt alternative as your creamy base—the flavor will still be bright, and the salad just as satisfying.
Is it possible to make this nut-free?
Definitely—just swap the walnuts or pecans for roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You’ll keep all the crunch without any worry for nut allergies.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
A quick toss in lemon juice right after chopping works magic. Make sure every piece is coated, and your apples will stay vibrant and fresh until serving.
Can I prepare Apple Salad in advance?
Yes, you can make it several hours ahead of serving. Just store it airtight in the fridge, and wait to add any extra garnish until just before bringing it to the table for the best appearance and crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a salad that’s as lively and colorful as it is easy to prepare, give this Apple Salad a try. With every forkful, you get sweet, tangy, crunchy, and creamy all in one cheerful bite—what’s not to love? I hope it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen, too.
Print
Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This refreshing Apple Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light and healthy meal or side dish. Crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries are tossed in a creamy dressing for a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
For the dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add celery, red onion, nuts, and dried cranberries.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine and chill: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend. Serve cold.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add chopped celery leaves or sliced radishes.
- You can substitute nuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Green apples can be used for a tangier flavor.
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