Introduction

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet side dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a holiday side dish, or a refreshing snack, this salad offers the perfect combination of flavors. The tartness of Honeycrisp apples, the crunch of celery, and the sweetness of grapes and cranberries make this a delightful and satisfying dish. Add a touch of creamy dressing made with honey, lemon, and mayonnaise, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet delicious salad!

Ingredients

Salad:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Wash the Honeycrisp apples thoroughly. Core and chop them into bite-sized pieces. (No need to peel unless preferred.)
2. Chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces for added crunch.
3. Halve the red grapes to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
4. Chop the pecans coarsely for a nice texture—keep them slightly large so the crunch stands out.
5. Place the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the apples from browning.
3. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

1. Pour the prepared dressing over the apple mixture in the large bowl.
2. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Store

1. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
2. If you’re not serving it right away, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 4 hours. (For longer storage, add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.)

Cooking Notes

• Apple Variety Swap: If Honeycrisp apples aren’t available, you can substitute with Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples.
• Nut-Free Option: Swap the pecans with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
• Lighter Dressing Option: Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a healthier twist.
• Extra Crunch: Add thinly sliced radishes for a peppery contrast.
• Storage Tip: The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it in advance—just keep the dressing and pecans separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

• This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork chops for a light, refreshing meal.
• Serve it alongside Thanksgiving or Christmas meals as a unique alternative to traditional side dishes.
• Enjoy it as a light lunch with a slice of crusty bread or a cup of soup.

Tips

1. Prevent Browning: If preparing the salad in advance, toss the chopped apples in a little extra lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
2. Customize: Feel free to add goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta for an extra creamy element.
3. Pecan Toasting Tip: Toast the pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make it Vegan: Swap the mayonnaise with vegan mayo or a plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly option.

Prep Time:

• 10 minutes

Total Time:

• 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 80mg

Conclusion

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a refreshing and easy dish that you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation. It’s simple to prepare, nutritious, and full of delicious flavors that complement each other perfectly. Whether for a picnic, holiday meal, or a light lunch, this salad will add a burst of color and flavor to your table. Plus, the versatility of the ingredients allows you to adjust the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs!

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

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• Author: Imili Johnson
• Total Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

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Salad:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Wash the Honeycrisp apples thoroughly. Core and chop them into bite-sized pieces. (No need to peel unless preferred.)
2. Chop the celery into small, bite-sized pieces for added crunch.
3. Halve the red grapes to ensure they blend well with the other ingredients.
4. Chop the pecans coarsely for a nice texture—keep them slightly large so the crunch stands out.
5. Place the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste. The lemon juice not only enhances the flavor but also prevents the apples from browning.
3. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

1. Pour the prepared dressing over the apple mixture in the large bowl.
2. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing.

Step 4: Serve or Store

1. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
2. If you’re not serving it right away, refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 4 hours. (For longer storage, add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sodium: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 2g