Bright, fresh, and bursting with delightful textures, this Apple Salad is a fantastic side dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Featuring crisp Honeycrisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, subtly sweet dressing, it’s a refreshing and incredibly easy salad that brings a touch of wholesome sweetness to your table.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Apple Salad has become a consistent hit in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its perfect balance of sweet and tart, and its irresistible crunch. What I love most is how the Honeycrisp apples maintain their crispness, and the quick toss in lemon juice keeps them beautifully bright. The creamy dressing, with just the right amount of mayonnaise and brown sugar, beautifully coats every piece without being too heavy. The addition of grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries adds layers of flavor and texture, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly refreshing, and always a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight side.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Apple Salad:

• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed (or other crisp, sweet-tart apples)
• 1 lemon, juiced (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Swaps and Notes

• Honeycrisp Apples: Honeycrisp apples are fantastic for their crisp texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor. Other crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn can be substituted.
• Lemon Juice: Crucial for preventing the apples from browning and adding a bright, fresh tang. Freshly squeezed is best.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand. For a slightly lighter salad, you can use light mayonnaise, but full-fat offers the best creaminess.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely depth of sweetness to the dressing. Adjust to your taste.
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch. Ensure it’s thinly sliced.
• Grapes: Seedless red grapes are perfect for bursts of sweetness. Green grapes can also be used. Halving them makes them easier to eat.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans provide a great nutty crunch. Walnuts can be substituted. You can lightly toast the pecans for enhanced flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Add a chewy texture and tart-sweetness. Raisins or other dried berries can be used.

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Directions

Let’s get this delicious Apple Salad mixed and chilled!

1. Prepare the Apples: Wash and cube the 4 large Honeycrisp apples. Immediately place the cubed apples in a medium bowl and toss them with the juice of 1 lemon. Stir well to ensure all apple pieces are coated, which will prevent them from browning.
2. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl (the one you’ll use for the whole salad), whisk together the ⅓ cup mayonnaise and 1 ½ tablespoons packed brown sugar until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared apples (drained of any excess lemon juice if significant), 2 thinly sliced ribs celery, 1 cup halved seedless red grapes, ½ cup chopped pecans, and ½ cup dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing.
4. Toss to Coat: Stir everything gently with a large spoon or rubber spatula until all the fruit, vegetables, and nuts are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Chill: Cover the salad bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is refreshing and cold.

Enjoy your crisp, sweet, and perfectly chilled Apple Salad!

Tips for Success

• Chill Apples: Using cold apples from the start will help keep the salad refreshing.
• Dry Ingredients (Mostly): While apples get lemon juice, ensure grapes and cranberries are dry before adding to the dressing to avoid thinning it.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the dressing and the finished salad. Adjust brown sugar for sweetness, or a tiny pinch more salt if needed, to achieve your perfect balance.
• Mix Gently: To prevent the apples from breaking down, fold the ingredients together gently.
• Make Ahead (Sort Of): This salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making for optimal crispness, but it can be made up to a day ahead if the apples were well coated with lemon juice. The flavors will meld beautifully, though the texture might soften slightly.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Apple Salad is a versatile and refreshing side dish, perfect for various occasions:

• Picnics & Potlucks: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Holiday Side: A lighter, fruity option for Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas meals.
• Lunch Companion: A delightful side for sandwiches, wraps, or grilled chicken.
• Light Meal: Enjoy a generous portion on its own for a refreshing lunch.
• With Poultry: Complements roasted chicken, turkey, or even our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight) for a combined flavor experience.
• For other refreshing treats, consider our This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink For Sunny Days.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This Apple Salad stores reasonably well, though the crispness of the apples is best within the first day.

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The apples may soften slightly and some browning might occur over time, even with the lemon juice.
• Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving leftovers, as the dressing might settle.
• Freezing: Fruit salads with a mayonnaise base are not suitable for freezing, as the texture will be compromised upon thawing.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the fresh, sweet, and comforting nature of this apple salad, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring joy to your kitchen:

• For another beloved apple treat, try our These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat In Bite-Sized Form.
• If you’re a fan of quick and fun apple-themed desserts, our These Caramel Apple Nachos Are My Favorite Quick Fall Dessert Trick are perfect for sharing.
• For a sweet and comforting quick bread, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
• And for a fresh, light take on a classic chicken dish, you’ll love A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight).

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Final Thoughts

This Apple Salad recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish to your table with ease. It’s perfect for summer picnics, holiday meals, or simply a light and delightful addition to your everyday lunch.

Give this recipe a try and let this delightful apple salad become a new family favorite! What’s your go-to fruit salad combination? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!