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Apple Salad RecipeIngredients Recipe

Apple Salad RecipeIngredients Recipe

4.8 from 20 reviews

This vibrant Apple Salad combines crisp Honeycrisp apples, sweet red grapes, crunchy pecans, and tart dried cranberries, all coated in a creamy, lightly sweetened mayonnaise dressing with a hint of lemon. It’s a refreshing and easy-to-make salad perfect for a light snack, side dish, or festive gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Vegetables & Nuts

  • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup chopped pecans

Dressing

  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prevent apples from browning: Toss the cubed Honeycrisp apples immediately with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. This acidic coating prevents oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and crisp.
  2. Prepare the dressing: In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy and lightly sweetened dressing base.
  3. Combine ingredients: Add the lemon-coated apples, thinly sliced celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries into the bowl with the dressing. Gently stir all ingredients until they are evenly coated by the dressing without bruising the fruit.
  4. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the salad.

Notes

  • Use Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and crunch; Granny Smith or Fuji apples can be substituted but may alter the flavor slightly.
  • Lemon juice is essential to keep the apples from browning and to add a fresh tang to the salad.
  • For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
  • Prepare the salad shortly before serving for maximum freshness, or store covered in the refrigerator for up to one day.
  • Chopped pecans can be toasted lightly to enhance their flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, Honeycrisp apple salad, fruit salad with mayo, cranberry pecan salad, easy fruit salad recipe