Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Salad featuring sweet Honeycrisp apples, crisp celery, juicy grapes, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy honey-lemon yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines sweet, tart, and nutty flavors for a delightful and nutritious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 4 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Nuts & Dried Fruit
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Dairy & Condiments
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or plain dairy-free yogurt for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing will add a tangy-sweet flavor that ties the salad ingredients together.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples, halved red seedless grapes, thinly sliced celery, toasted and chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. Gently toss these ingredients to distribute them evenly.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Using a gentle folding motion, toss the salad to coat all the components evenly without bruising the apples or crushing the grapes.
- Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light main course, perfect for warm days or as a nutritious addition to any meal.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with plain dairy-free yogurt and honey with maple syrup.
- To enhance pecan flavor, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours; texture may slightly soften over time.
- If desired, add a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra flavor dimension.
