If you’re looking for a fabulously crisp, refreshing dish that lets apples truly shine, this Apple Salad Recipe is your perfect match. Sweet, crunchy, and creamy all at once, it’s a bowlful of joy that shows off fall’s favorite fruit in the best way possible. With juicy apples, plump grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted nuts tossed in a tangy honey-yogurt dressing, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re after a light lunch, a side for a festive dinner, or something delicious to bring to the potluck, this colorful salad always brings a touch of nostalgia and a burst of flavor to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Apple Salad Recipe is how it combines a handful of everyday ingredients into something a little special. Each element contributes to the irresistible mix of flavors, vibrant colors, and cheerful crunch that make this salad unforgettable.
- Apples: Use crisp, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the juiciest bite and best crunch.
- Lemon juice: Tossing apples with lemon juice keeps them from browning and adds a bright zing.
- Seedless red grapes: Halved grapes give the salad sweet bursts and beautiful color contrast.
- Celery: Chopped celery brings a fresh, peppery crunch that balances the fruitiness.
- Walnuts or pecans: Toasted nuts add deep flavor, healthy fats, and a wonderful toasty crunch.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Yogurt makes the dressing creamy and tangy while keeping it light.
- Mayonnaise: Just a touch gives extra silkiness and rounds out the flavors.
- Honey: This natural sweetener pulls together all the ingredients with a soft golden sweetness.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t forget a pinch of each to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness.
How to Make Apple Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by coring and chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. Pop them in a large mixing bowl and immediately drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Toss well to coat every piece—this simple step keeps your apples looking bright and gorgeous, even hours later.
Step 2: Add the Fruits and Crunch
Now, add the halved grapes, finely chopped celery, and your choice of toasted walnuts or pecans right into the bowl with the apples. Gently mix everything together—you want each spoonful to hold the perfect balance of sweet, juicy fruit and satisfying crunch.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be smooth and luxuriously creamy. Taste and adjust for extra tang or sweetness if you like!
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the apple mixture. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently fold everything together until it’s evenly coated. Place the finished salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill to perfection.
How to Serve Apple Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a handful of extra toasted nuts or a few delicate celery leaves over the top just before serving. You can even add a drizzle of honey or a few thin apple slices for extra flair.
Side Dishes
This Apple Salad Recipe pairs fabulously with everything from roast chicken to grilled fish. It’s a light, refreshing counterpoint to hearty main courses and also shines alongside a cozy bowl of soup or a savory autumn tart.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual lettuce cups for an elegant appetizer, or pile it on a bed of baby greens for a beautiful lunch plate. For a fun twist, you can even spoon it onto crostini for a sweet and savory party bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Salad Recipe holds up well in the fridge! Store it in an airtight container for up to two days. The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning, so you can enjoy fresh flavor and texture even the next day.
Freezing
While this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh fruits and yogurt dressing, you can prep the fruit and nuts ahead by chopping and storing them separately. Combine with dressing just before serving for best results.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be served chilled, so no reheating needed. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, give it a gentle stir before enjoying to redistribute the creamy dressing.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for the Apple Salad Recipe?
Crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji are fantastic for this salad, but any firm apple you enjoy eating raw will do. Try mixing varieties for an even more interesting flavor and color.
Can I make the Apple Salad Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative (like coconut or almond yogurt) and use a vegan mayo to keep it fully plant-based.
Is it possible to make this salad nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts or pecans for a nut-free version, or substitute with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and allergy-friendly appeal.
How far in advance can I prepare the Apple Salad Recipe?
You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and add the garnishes just before serving for best flavor and presentation.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Absolutely! Stir in some cooked, diced chicken or turkey for a hearty lunch, or try a scoop of cottage cheese for a vegetarian protein boost.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Salad Recipe is a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Give it a spot on your table and you’ll quickly see how irresistible a crisp apple and a simple, creamy dressing can be—there’s always room for a bowl of this refreshing classic!
Print
Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Apple Salad is a delightful mix of crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and nutty walnuts tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted, if desired)
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add the grapes, celery, and nuts, and gently mix to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt instead of combining it with mayonnaise.
- You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or diced chicken to make it a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
