This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries is a refreshing and flavorful dish that perfectly balances sweetness, crunch, and tang. It’s the ideal combination of textures and colors, creating a vibrant salad that not only looks beautiful but also delivers a mouthwatering taste with every bite.
The crispness of Honeycrisp apples complements the fresh crunch of celery, the juiciness of grapes, the rich nuttiness of pecans, and the tart sweetness of dried cranberries. Perfect as a side dish for holiday gatherings, picnics, or everyday meals, this salad is easy to prepare and loaded with nutrients. A light dressing ties everything together, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Ingredients
• 3 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise for a creamier version)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Start by preparing the apples. Wash, core, and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice to keep them from browning. Toss gently to coat.
• Slice the celery into thin crescents and add to the bowl with the apples. The celery adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the fruit and nuts.
• Halve the grapes and add them to the mix. Red grapes provide a juicy sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the salad’s overall appeal.
• Roughly chop the pecans. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to intensify their nutty flavor, but this step is optional. Add the pecans to the bowl.
• Sprinkle in the dried cranberries. These chewy, tart gems elevate the salad with bursts of flavor and color, making each bite more exciting.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and honey until smooth. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can adjust the honey to taste. Season the dressing lightly with salt and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the structure and crunch of the individual ingredients.
• Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This short resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and gives the salad a refreshing coolness.
• Serve the salad as a side dish for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or holiday spreads. It also works well as a light lunch when paired with a slice of whole-grain bread or some leafy greens.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps well for 1–2 days, though the apples may soften slightly over time.
This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries is a delightful celebration of fall flavors, though it’s perfect year-round. It’s nutrient-rich, easy to prepare, and delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering or enjoying it solo, this salad is guaranteed to impress and refresh.