Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples

By Muhammad Faizan

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

This fresh, crunchy, and sweet apple salad is packed with flavor and texture. It’s perfect as a light side dish or a refreshing snack. The combination of Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, and nuts is balanced by a creamy, slightly sweet dressing, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 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

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Full Recipe:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:

    • Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.

    • Chop the celery into small, uniform pieces.

    • Slice the grapes in half to make them easier to eat and mix.

    • Roughly chop the pecans to release their flavor.

  2. Make the Dressing:

    • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste.

  3. Assemble the Salad:

    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, celery, grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.

    • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the dressing.

  4. Chill and Serve:

    • If you have time, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

    • Serve cold, and enjoy the refreshing taste of this delicious apple salad!

Notes:

  • Honeycrisp Apples: These apples are perfect for this salad because they are sweet and crisp, but you can use other varieties like Gala or Fuji if you prefer.

  • Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can swap them out for walnuts or almonds.

  • Sweetness Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter dressing, feel free to add more honey to taste.

  • Make it Vegan: Use vegan mayo to make this salad completely plant-based.

Tips:

  • Tartness: If you want the salad to have a more tart kick, you can add a bit more lemon juice to the dressing.

  • Add More Crunch: For extra crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or sliced almonds to the salad.

  • Mix-Ins: You can also include other fruits like pears or berries for more flavor variety.

Servings:

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on portion sizes.

Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 200 kcal

  • Carbs: 30g

  • Fat: 10g

  • Protein: 3g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 18g (naturally from the fruit and honey)

Benefits:

  • Packed with Fiber: Apples, celery, and pecans provide fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer.

  • Rich in Vitamins: The apples and grapes offer a good amount of vitamins like Vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health.

  • Healthy Fats: Pecans offer healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.

  • Sweet & Satisfying: The combination of honey and fruit offers natural sweetness without added refined sugars.

Q&A for Apple Salad:

Q: Can I use a different kind of apple? A: Yes! While Honeycrisp apples are great for their sweetness and crunch, any sweet apple variety like Gala or Fuji will work well in this salad.

Q: How can I make this salad dairy-free? A: You can substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free version or use a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a bit of Dijon mustard.

Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the dressing until right before serving to prevent the apples from getting soggy.

Q: Can I add protein to this salad? A: Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a protein boost to make this a complete meal.

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