Crisp & Tangy Apple Salad Recipe: A Fresh Harvest Medley

Crisp honeycrisp apples create an unexpected twist in this vibrant salad that dances with flavor.

Sweet and tart notes weave through each refreshing bite.

Crunchy celery adds a delightful texture that complements the soft grapes.

Toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty depth to the mix.

Dried cranberries scatter bursts of tangy brightness across the bowl.

Our quick combination promises a delightful blend of seasonal ingredients.

You’ll fall in love with this simple yet sophisticated summer treat.

Fresh Apple Salad with Honeycrisp & Cranberries

• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Enjoy a vibrant mix of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and tangy cranberries that dance together in every delightful bite.
• Quick and Simple Prep: Chop, mix, and dress in minutes, making this salad a breeze for busy home cooks looking for a fast and delicious side dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for picnics, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing lunch companion that appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet and savory profile.
• Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Packed with fruits, nuts, and a light dressing, this salad delivers a healthy punch of vitamins, minerals, and satisfying textures that nourish your body.

Ingredients for Crunchy Apple Salad Mix

• Honeycrisp Apples: A sweet and crisp variety that adds refreshing crunch to the salad.
• Grapes: Provide a juicy and burst of natural sweetness to complement the other ingredients.
• Dried Cranberries: Contribute a tangy and slightly tart flavor with a chewy texture.

• Celery: Offers a fresh, crisp texture and light peppery taste to the salad.

• Pecans: Add a rich, buttery crunch and nutty depth to the salad.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the dressing that helps bind all ingredients together.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and helps balance the dressing's flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How to Toss Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Wash all produce thoroughly under cool running water. Chop Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized cubes.

Slice celery into thin, delicate pieces. Halve grapes into smaller portions.

Roughly chop pecans for added crunch. Keep dried cranberries whole for bursts of sweet flavor.

Step 2: Create Zesty Dressing

In a separate mixing bowl, blend creamy mayonnaise with golden honey. Squeeze fresh lemon juice to add brightness.

Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance overall taste profile. Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-combined.

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

• Honeycrisp apple cubes
• Celery slices
• Halved grapes
• Chopped pecans
• Dried cranberries

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour prepared dressing over salad ingredients. Use a large spoon or salad tongs to gently mix, ensuring every component gets evenly coated with the creamy, tangy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes in this apple salad creation.

Tips to Perfect Apple Salad Every Time

• Toss chopped apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and keep them fresh and crisp.
• Chop ingredients into uniform sizes for consistent bite and better flavor distribution.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth, even coating on all salad components.
• Prepare salad up to 2 hours in advance, storing dressing separately to maintain crunchiness.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that adds tangy flavor.

Variations to Refresh Apple Salad Recipes

• Waldorf-Style Remix: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version packed with protein and reduced calories.
• Tropical Paradise: Swap grapes with diced mango and add shredded coconut for a Caribbean-inspired fruit salad with exotic flavors.
• Autumn Harvest: Mix in roasted butternut squash cubes and swap pecans for toasted pumpkin seeds, creating a seasonal fall-themed salad.
• Mediterranean Crunch: Include crumbled feta cheese, swap dried cranberries with kalamata olives, and drizzle with olive oil for a Mediterranean-style apple salad.

Pairings to Brighten Apple Salad Serving

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Riesling with slight sweetness to complement the apple's tartness and match the salad's fruity notes.
• Boost Cheese Companion: Serve alongside creamy goat cheese or mild brie to balance the salad's crunch and provide rich, smooth contrast.
• Enhance Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey slices to transform the light salad into a satisfying main course with protein depth.
• Refresh Beverage Match: Pour sparkling apple cider or light white wine spritzer to echo the fresh fruit flavors and cleanse the palate between bites.

Best Way to Store Apple Salad Freshness

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.

Avoid freezing this salad, as the fruits and vegetables will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.

Before serving chilled leftovers, give the salad a quick stir and add a few fresh pecans for crunch if needed.

If the salad seems dry after storing, drizzle a small amount of fresh dressing to revive the flavors and moistness.

FAQs

• What are the best apples for this salad?

Honeycrisp apples work perfectly because they’re crisp, sweet, and hold their shape well. They provide a delightful crunch and balance the other ingredients.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 hours in advance. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from fresh fruits, nuts, and a light dressing. The combination offers fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from pecans.

• How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice from the dressing, which helps prevent oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and white.

Apple Salad With Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, And Dried Cranberries Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp Honeycrisp Apple Salad brings a symphony of textures and flavors dancing together in perfect harmony. Sweet and tangy notes mingle with crunchy pecans, creating a refreshing medley you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Produce:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples
• 1 cup red grapes
• 2 celery stalks
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup pecans

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Chop Honeycrisp apples into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring crisp and fresh pieces for optimal texture.
2. Slice celery into thin, delicate crescents that complement the apple’s crunchiness.
3. Halve grapes to distribute their sweet burst throughout the salad.
4. Roughly chop pecans to provide a rich, nutty dimension and satisfying crunch.
5. Sprinkle dried cranberries to introduce a tangy, concentrated sweetness.
6. Whisk mayonnaise with honey in a separate mixing vessel, creating a creamy, balanced base.
7. Incorporate fresh lemon juice to brighten the dressing and prevent apple browning.
8. Season dressing with delicate pinches of salt and pepper for nuanced flavor enhancement.
9. Gently fold dressing into prepared ingredients, ensuring every component receives a smooth, even coating.
10. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to slightly marinate.
11. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch accompaniment.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm Honeycrisp apples for the best texture and sweet-tart flavor in the salad.
• Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors and textures.
• Dress the salad just before serving to prevent ingredients from becoming soggy and maintain crunchiness.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the dressing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 277 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg