Crispy Apple Mix: A Fresh Fruit & Nut Medley Recipe

Crisp autumn winds bring an irresistible apple salad that captures seasonal freshness in every delightful bite.

Honeycrisp varieties shine with their sweet-tart crunch and vibrant flavor profile.

Crunchy celery adds a delicate snap while plump grapes contribute bursts of juicy sweetness.

Toasted pecans introduce a rich, nutty dimension that complements the fruit’s brightness.

Dried cranberries weave in subtle tartness and beautiful ruby-red color throughout the mix.

Scattered ingredients create a symphony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

FAQs

• Why use Greek yogurt in the dressing?

Greek yogurt adds a creamy, tangy base that’s healthier than mayonnaise, provides protein, and helps bind the dressing ingredients together smoothly.

• Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work great as alternatives, offering similar crunch and nutty flavor to pecans in this salad.

• How do I prevent apple browning?

Toss diced apples immediately with lemon juice from the dressing, which helps prevent oxidation and keeps the apples looking fresh and white.

• Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, this salad stays crisp for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead side dishes.

Why This Apple Salad Is So Crunchy and Fresh

• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and protein-rich Greek yogurt, this salad delivers a knockout punch of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences or what's in your kitchen, making this recipe incredibly flexible for any skill level or dietary need.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Play: Experience a delightful mix of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and soft dried cranberries that dance together in every single bite.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Requires minimal preparation steps and can be assembled in minutes, perfect for impromptu gatherings or last-minute side dish needs.

What You Need for Honeycrisp Apple Salad

• Honeycrisp Apples: A sweet and crisp variety that adds a fresh, juicy crunch to the salad.
• Grapes: Provide a burst of natural sweetness and a soft, juicy texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Offer a tangy, slightly tart flavor and chewy texture.

• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and light, peppery flavor to the salad.

• Pecans: Bring a rich, buttery crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps bind the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and round out the overall taste of the salad.

How to Prepare Apple Celery Pecan Salad

Step 1: Whisk Creamy Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, blend Greek yogurt, honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference, ensuring a balanced and tangy flavor profile.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Dicing Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized cubes
• Slicing crisp celery into thin crescents
• Halving sweet grapes
• Roughly chopping crunchy pecans
• Scattering dried cranberries

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

Transfer all chopped ingredients into a spacious mixing bowl.

The colorful mixture will create a vibrant and inviting appearance.

Step 4: Dress and Toss Salad

Drizzle the prepared creamy dressing over the salad ingredients.

Use a gentle folding motion to coat every piece evenly, ensuring each bite is deliciously dressed.

Step 5: Chill and Enhance Flavors

Place the salad in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

This resting period allows the flavors to mingle and develop a more complex taste. Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing crunch and sweet-tangy combination.

Pro Tips for a Well-Balanced Apple Salad

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond yogurt for a vegan version of the salad.
• Chop ingredients uniformly to ensure consistent texture and better flavor distribution in every bite.
• Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch.
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice right before mixing to prevent apple browning and add bright, zesty notes.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the fruits and vegetables.

Unique Flavor Twists for This Crunchy Salad

• Vegan Apple Delight: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
• Nutty Alternative: Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts for a different crunchy texture and flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute grapes with cucumber chunks and reduce honey amount for a lower-sugar option.
• Protein-Packed Salad: Add diced chicken or tofu for extra protein, making it a more substantial meal option.

What Pairs Well with This Apple Salad

• Pair Sparkling Wines: Select crisp, light-bodied sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne that complement the salad's sweet and tangy profile, enhancing the fruity notes of apples and grapes.
• Create Cheese Companions: Serve alongside creamy goat cheese or mild brie to balance the salad's crunch and provide a rich, smooth contrast to the fresh ingredients.
• Match Herbal Teas: Brew light green tea or chamomile tea to cleanse the palate and provide a delicate, soothing backdrop that won't overpower the salad's delicate flavors.
• Recommend Light Proteins: Add grilled chicken breast or poached salmon as a side to transform the salad into a complete meal, adding lean protein that harmonizes with the fruit and nut elements.

How to Keep Apple Salad Crisp and Tasty

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent browning and maintain freshness.

Before serving again, drain any excess liquid and give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of apples, grapes, and celery will become mushy and lose their crisp texture when thawed.

For optimal taste and crunch, consume within 24 hours of preparation. If refrigerated overnight, the pecans might slightly soften, so consider adding fresh pecans before serving.

Apple Salad With Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, And Dried Cranberries Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp apple salad blends sweet honeycrisp apples with tangy celery and juicy grapes. Pecans and dried cranberries add delightful crunch, creating a refreshing medley you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit and Produce:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples
• 1 cup red grapes
• 1 cup celery
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Nuts:

• 1/2 cup pecans

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until silky smooth, fine-tuning the seasoning to personal preference.
2. Dice Honeycrisp apples into uniform cubes, chop celery into crisp segments, and halve grapes for optimal texture.
3. Transfer prepared fruits and vegetables into a spacious mixing vessel, incorporating whole pecans and vibrant dried cranberries.
4. Drizzle the tangy yogurt dressing across the ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to ensure every morsel receives an even coating.
5. Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes at 40°F, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a refreshing chill.
6. Serve immediately, presenting a crisp, colorful medley that balances sweet, tart, and nutty notes in each refreshing bite.

Notes

• Quickly chop ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for vegan version.
• Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the salad.
• Use crisp, fresh apples at room temperature to maximize their natural sweetness and prevent browning by tossing with lemon juice immediately after cutting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 205 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg