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

This Apple Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, toasted pecans, and tart dried cranberries. The balance of textures and flavors makes it a perfect side dish for any meal, whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a light lunch. The natural sweetness of the apples and grapes pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of pecans and the tangy bite of cranberries, all tied together with a creamy dressing.

Ingredients:

• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1½ tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

• Wash and cube the Honeycrisp apples, leaving the skin on for extra crunch.
• Toss the apple cubes with lemon juice to prevent browning.

1. Chop and Toast the Pecans:

• Roughly chop the pecans and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Set aside to cool.

1. Mix the Dressing:

• In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth.
• Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

1. Combine the Ingredients:

• Add the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing.
• Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

1. Chill and Serve:

• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Serve chilled as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.

Tips for the Best Apple Salad:

• Use fresh, crisp apples for the best texture.
• Toast the pecans to enhance their nutty flavor.
• For extra creaminess, add ¼ cup Greek yogurt to the dressing.

Variations:

• Cheesy Twist: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Extra Sweetness: Stir in a drizzle of honey for a touch of natural sweetness.

This Apple Salad is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that create a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang. Try it out and let me know how it turns out! 😋

You can find more details here and here.