Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a fresh and irresistibly crunchy salad that celebrates the best flavors of fall, this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is about to become your next craving. Every ingredient brings its own unique magic: juicy-sweet apples, snappy celery, tart cranberries, and nutty pecans all tossed together in a creamy dressing that’s light yet so flavorful. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday meal or just jazzing up your weekday lunches, this salad brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor guaranteed to please both friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries calls for just a handful of bright, wholesome ingredients. Each one isn’t just a building block, but an absolute star—contributing crunch, tang, sweetness, and vibrant colors that make every bite pop.
- Honeycrisp apples: Their signature snap keeps the salad crisp, and their balanced sweetness ensures every forkful is juicy and refreshing.
- Seedless red grapes: For a burst of juiciness and subtle tartness; halved so every bite stays elegant and easy to eat.
- Celery: Thinly sliced for a satisfying crunch and a fresh, peppery undertone that pairs perfectly with sweet fruit.
- Toasted pecans: Roasting the nuts deepens their flavor and adds irresistible crunch and toasty warmth.
- Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart pops of flavor that balance out the creamy, nutty, and fruity notes.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The creamy foundation for our dressing, keeping things light yet rich in texture.
- Mayonnaise: Just enough to give the dressing a classic, velvety finish—feel free to adjust for taste and creaminess.
- Honey: Adds a gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavors, playing beautifully off the tart apples and cranberries.
- Lemon juice: A little zing to sharpen the salad, brighten the fruit, and keep those apple chunks beautifully crisp and fresh.
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to enhance and bring out all the wonderful flavors swirling together.
How to Make Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by washing your apples, grapes, and celery thoroughly. Core the Honeycrisp apples and chop them into bite-sized chunks—no need to peel, as the skin’s beautiful color adds to the salad’s appeal. Slice the celery thinly for the best texture, and halve the grapes so their sweetness is perfectly distributed in every spoonful.
Step 2: Toast and Chop the Pecans
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes, until they’re fragrant and a shade darker. Let them cool, then give them a rough chop. This quick step is a game-changer: it intensifies the pecans’ flavor and doubles down on that addictive crunch.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped Honeycrisp apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, cooled toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Toss everything gently so that the vibrant colors are evenly mixed and waiting for their creamy dressing.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and just a pinch of salt. The result is a luscious dressing that envelops each ingredient while letting all the crispness and freshness shine through.
Step 5: Dress and Chill the Salad
Pour your freshly made dressing over the apple mixture. Use a spatula or large spoon to toss very gently—this way, the fruit keeps its shape and the dressing is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time allows all those lively flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Take the salad out of the fridge, give it one last gentle toss, and you’re ready to serve. The Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries truly shines when enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries
Garnishes
A gorgeous salad like this deserves a finishing touch! Try sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans and cranberries on top right before serving. If you want extra crunch, a handful of sunflower seeds works wonders. For a pop of fragrant green, add a scattering of finely chopped fresh parsley or mint.
Side Dishes
This recipe truly stands out on its own, but it also makes a dreamy companion to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty fall soup. On a brunch table, the Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries doubles as a light, vibrant side for quiche or frittata. It balances rich mains beautifully and adds a burst of refreshing flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hoping to wow guests, try serving this salad in individual glass jars or layered parfait glasses for colorful effect. On a buffet, offer it atop a bed of fresh baby spinach or arugula. For a fun twist, scoop it into Belgian endive leaves or crisp little lettuce cups—perfect finger food for a party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The apples stay crisp thanks to the lemon juice, but, as with most salads, fresher is always best!
Freezing
This is one recipe that doesn’t freeze well. Freezing changes the textures of apples and grapes, making them watery and mushy upon thawing. It’s best to make this salad fresh and enjoy while every bite is full of vibrant crunch.
Reheating
No need to reheat—this salad is all about refreshing coolness! Just serve it straight from the fridge. If it seems a bit dry after sitting, you can stir in an extra spoonful of Greek yogurt before enjoying again.
FAQs
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the Greek yogurt for a coconut-based yogurt and use your favorite vegan mayonnaise. The flavor will be just as heavenly, and it will still have that dreamy creaminess.
What other apples can I use instead of Honeycrisp?
If Honeycrisps aren’t available, look for other crunchy and sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. Both offer that signature crispness and a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavors perfect for this salad.
Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the fruit a few hours ahead, toss with a bit of lemon juice, and store each component separately. Combine with the dressing right before serving to keep the apples crisp and the salad looking its best.
What if I have a nut allergy?
No worries—simply leave out the pecans or swap in toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts. The result is still a satisfying, colorful salad everyone can enjoy.
Is this salad suitable for kids?
Kids usually love the sweetness of the apples, grapes, and cranberries! For very young children, chop everything into smaller pieces and consider omitting the nuts or using softer seeds for easier eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about gathering your favorite crisp fruits, tossing them with a handful of toasted nuts and a creamy dressing, and seeing it all come together in a dish as pretty as it is delicious. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat your tastebuds to the Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries soon. It’s bright, refreshing, and certain to be a new favorite at your table!
Print
Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Apple Salad combines the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with the crunch of celery, the burst of flavor from grapes, the nuttiness of pecans, and the chewiness of dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 Honeycrisp apples (cored and chopped)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes (halved)
- 2 stalks celery (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the apples, grapes, celery, pecans, and cranberries.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and salt.
- Toss: Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can use walnuts instead of pecans or opt for all Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- For extra texture, sprinkle with sunflower seeds just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
