Pin
Apple salad is a crunchy and colorful dish that highlights juicy apples with a mix of fruit, nuts, and a sweet creamy dressing. It is incredibly easy to make and can be tweaked to suit whatever you have on hand. I reach for this recipe whenever I want a refreshing side or a light lunch that feels special but takes very little time to assemble.
I always make this salad for big family picnics and potlucks because it disappears fast and everyone asks for the recipe. It is my go-to way to use up apples before they lose their crispness.
Ingredients
- Honeycrisp apples: bring a sweet crunchy texture and do not brown quickly Look for firm apples with no soft spots
- Fresh lemon juice: helps keep the apples from browning and adds bright flavor Use a ripe lemon for the juiciest result
- Mayonnaise: creates a creamy dressing base Choose a high quality real mayonnaise for best taste
- Brown sugar: balances the dressing with rich sweetness Light or dark brown sugar both work
- Celery ribs: add a crisp fresh bite Pick stalks that are bright green and not floppy
- Seedless red grapes: offer pops of juicy sweetness Slice them in half to distribute the flavor evenly
- Chopped pecans: bring nutty crunch and some healthy fats Toast them lightly for even more flavor
- Dried cranberries: give a tart chewy note Look for plump berries without added oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Cube the apples into bite sized pieces and immediately toss them with all the lemon juice in a large bowl Stir gently until every piece is coated so they do not brown
- Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl whisk together mayonnaise and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth The dressing should look glossy and creamy
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the celery grapes pecans and dried cranberries to the bowl with apples Pour the dressing over everything and stir until every ingredient is evenly coated
- Chill the Salad:
- Cover the finished apple salad and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes This lets the flavors blend and makes the salad extra refreshing
Pin
One trick I love is tossing the pecans in the oven for a few minutes just before adding to the salad It makes the whole dish more fragrant and brings out their nutty flavor My kids always help with stirring the salad and sneaking grape halves when they think I am not looking
Storage Tips
Apple salad is best eaten the day it is made but you can keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to two days To keep everything crisp store the dressing separately and combine just before serving If your apples start to brown a squeeze of lemon helps freshen them up
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap Honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for added sweetness Walnuts or almonds can replace pecans Dried cherries work nicely if you do not have cranberries For the dressing try half Greek yogurt and half mayo for a lighter version or use vegan mayo if needed
Serving Suggestions
Serve this apple salad alongside roasted chicken sandwiches or any hearty fall main It is also delicious scooped onto butter lettuce leaves for a pretty lunch You can add grilled chicken or sharp cheddar cheese to make it a satisfying entrée salad
Cultural and Historical Context
Apple salad is inspired by the famous Waldorf salad which originated in New York City over a century ago The classic blend of apples celery grapes and nuts has stuck around because it is so versatile and loved across generations Adding your own twist keeps this dish feeling fresh and personal each time you make it
Recipe FAQs
- → What apples work best for this dish?
Honeycrisp are ideal for their sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith or Fuji also work well for balanced flavor.
- → How do you keep apples from browning?
Toss the cubed apples with fresh lemon juice right after cutting. This helps maintain their color and freshness.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine and dress just before serving for best texture.
- → Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Greek yogurt or light sour cream can be used for a tangy, lighter alternative to mayonnaise.
- → What protein add-ins taste good?
Diced cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled blue cheese are all tasty additions for making it more filling.
- → How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container and enjoyed within two days for best crunch and flavor.