This Apple Salad is a delightful combination of crisp Honeycrisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, toasted pecans, and tart dried cranberries, all brought together with a light and flavorful dressing. The mix of textures and flavors creates a refreshing dish that’s perfect as a side or a light meal. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it solo, this salad is packed with nutrients, making it a delicious and healthy choice.
Ingredients:
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and diced
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing all the produce thoroughly. Dice the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces, chop the celery into thin slices, and halve the grapes. Toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes until they are fragrant, then let them cool before roughly chopping.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cinnamon if using. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The dressing should be slightly tangy, creamy, and mildly sweet.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped apples, celery, grapes, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Mix Everything Well: Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss all the ingredients until they are evenly coated with the dressing. Make sure the flavors are well-distributed throughout the salad.
- Chill Before Serving (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes. This allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing the taste and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, give the salad one final toss, then transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with additional pecans or a drizzle of honey if desired. Enjoy as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.