If you’re searching for a fresh, colorful addition to your table, look no further than this irresistible Apple Salad. Sweet, crisp apples mingle with juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, light dressing that lets every flavor sing. Whether it’s for a quick lunchtime treat or as a bright side dish for gatherings, you’ll fall head over heels for the burst of textures and tangy-sweet notes in each forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the greatest joys of this Apple Salad is how easily it comes together with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component adds its unique punch—think crisp apples, jeweled grapes, and a dreamy yogurt dressing—all balancing in a harmonious mix of taste, crunch, and vibrant color.
- Apples: Use three medium apples (try a combination of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for a lovely blend of sweet and tart flavors.
- Seedless grapes: One cup of halved grapes makes the salad extra juicy and brings a subtle pop of color.
- Celery: Half a cup, thinly sliced, adds satisfying crunch and a refreshing note.
- Walnuts or pecans: Toast and chop half a cup for a rich, nutty flavor and bonus texture—swap out for pecans or skip for nut-free!
- Dried cranberries: A quarter cup provides sweet-tart bursts and added chewiness.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Half a cup forms the creamy, tangy base of the dressing while keeping things light.
- Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons give the dressing a bit of richness and a classic salad vibe.
- Honey: One tablespoon adds natural, floral sweetness that hugs every ingredient.
- Lemon juice: A tablespoon brings brightness and keeps the apples from browning.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances and unites all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkle over the top for a final burst of green and herby finish.
How to Make Apple Salad
Step 1: Prep and Chop Your Fruits and Veggies
Start by washing your apples, grapes, and celery. Core and chop the apples into bite-size pieces—leaving the skin on for color and nutrients. Halve your grapes so every bite gets a juicy burst, and thinly slice the celery for maximum crunch but minimal chew. Don’t forget to toast and roughly chop your walnuts or pecans; this enhances their flavor and makes them extra crunchy!
Step 2: Combine Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add your chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries. This rainbow of textures and colors is an instant feast for the senses! Toss the ingredients gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed. This helps every serving of your Apple Salad have a perfect balance.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and luscious—the dressing should have a lovely creamy consistency without being too heavy. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you like, adding a bit more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for zing.
Step 4: Toss and Chill
Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the apple, grape, and nut mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated and gleaming. Chilling the Apple Salad for 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors meld, but if you’re too eager, it can be enjoyed immediately as well!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When it’s time to serve, sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a lovely pop of green but gives your Apple Salad that just-made, restaurant-worthy finish. Serve on a chilled plate or in a pretty bowl, and watch as it disappears fast!
How to Serve Apple Salad
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley over the Apple Salad instantly brightens up the bowl, but you can get creative and add a little extra cracked black pepper or a few extra toasted nuts for flair. For special occasions, a handful of microgreens or edible flowers makes it extra festive.
Side Dishes
This Apple Salad shines alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a warm autumn quiche. It also works wonders at brunch, picnic spreads, or as a stand-alone healthy snack when you want something refreshing and light.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond a basic salad bowl! Serve individual portions in small glass jars for an adorable picnic or potluck presentation. For elegant dinners, try plating the Apple Salad on a bed of baby greens or inside hollowed-out apple halves for whimsical appeal—the possibilities are endless, making the salad as fun to present as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Salad should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the lemon juice in the dressing, the apples stay fresh and crisp for up to two days, though it’s definitely best within the first 24 hours when everything is at its crunchiest.
Freezing
Unfortunately, Apple Salad doesn’t freeze well. The fresh fruit and yogurt-based dressing tend to lose their texture and become watery once thawed. It’s always best to whip up a fresh batch for that perfect bite.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Apple Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature straight from the fridge! If it’s been in the refrigerator a while, just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in Apple Salad?
Absolutely! Mixing sweet apples like Honeycrisp with tart Granny Smiths gives a lovely flavor contrast, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand—just keep an eye on texture for the best result.
How do I prevent the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the apple pieces fresh-looking and crisp, but if you’re prepping in advance, you can also toss your chopped apples with a little extra lemon juice right after cutting.
Can I make Apple Salad nut-free?
Yes! Simply leave out the walnuts or pecans. If you still want a little crunch, roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds are delicious alternatives that keep the salad allergy-friendly.
Is there a vegan option for the dressing?
Absolutely—you can skip the mayonnaise, use a plant-based yogurt, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. You’ll still get a creamy, dreamy result that clings beautifully to the fruit.
How far in advance can I make Apple Salad?
You can assemble the Apple Salad up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just hold off on adding the nuts and parsley until you’re ready to serve to keep them extra crisp and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
Give this Apple Salad a try the next time you crave a fresh, lively dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Its simple ingredients and cheerful flavors make it a true crowd-pleaser, and you might just find yourself making it on repeat all season long!
Print
Apple Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This delightful Apple Salad is a refreshing and crunchy mix of fresh apples, grapes, celery, nuts, and dried cranberries tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 medium apples, cored and chopped (a mix of sweet and tart, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- pinch of salt
Garnish:
- fresh parsley
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and dried cranberries.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt instead of a mix with mayonnaise.
- You can substitute pecans for walnuts or leave out the nuts for a nut-free option.
- This salad pairs well with roasted chicken or makes a refreshing side dish for brunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
