Crisp & Zesty Apple Salad Recipe for Fresh Summer Days

Crisp autumn days call for a refreshing apple salad recipe that dances with flavor and nutrition.

Tart green apples mingle with creamy textures and crunchy nuts, creating a delightful symphony of taste.

Every bite brings a burst of freshness that awakens your senses.

Simple ingredients come together in a playful medley of sweet and tangy notes.

Chopped herbs and a light dressing add depth to this vibrant dish.

The combination promises to turn an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

You’ll want to savor every delectable spoonful of this irresistible salad.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 187 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient Rundown for Apple Salad

• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that keeps apples crisp and prevents unsightly discoloration, choose fresh and vibrant juice for best results.
• Apples: Crisp, sweet base of the salad, select firm and juicy varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that creates smooth texture, opt for high-quality, full-fat version for rich taste.
• Brown Sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and depth, look for moist, clump-free sugar for easy mixing.

• Celery: Provides sharp, fresh crunch, select stalks that are bright green and firm without blemishes.
• Pecans: Adds nutty richness and earthy crunch, choose fresh, golden-brown nuts without any rancid smell.
• Dried Cranberries: Brings tangy sweetness and jewel-like color, select plump and glossy berries for best texture.
• Grapes: Offers juicy burst of sweetness, pick firm, seedless grapes with vibrant color.

Apple Salad Tools and Prep Essentials

• Mixing Bowl: Large, spacious bowl for combining all ingredients and creating the dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending mayonnaise and brown sugar smoothly.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping apples, celery, and pecans.
• Sharp Knife: Precise tool for cubing apples, slicing celery, and chopping nuts.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients for perfect balance.
• Spoon: Useful for stirring and coating ingredients with dressing.

Steps to Make a Fresh Apple Salad

• Fruit Protection

Stop apple discoloration by splashing with zesty citrus juice. This trick keeps your fruit looking crisp and fresh while adding a tangy hint.

• Creamy Magic

Blend smooth mayo with rich caramel-like sweetener in a spacious mixing vessel. This creates a luscious base that brings together all the delightful ingredients.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss together golden apple chunks, crisp green stalks, juicy grape halves, crunchy forest nuts, and ruby-red dried berries. Mix gently so each morsel gets beautifully coated with the dreamy sauce.

• Chill Zone

Seal your creation and send it to the cool sanctuary of your refrigerator. Let the flavors dance and mingle for half an hour, transforming simple ingredients into a refreshing sensation that’ll make taste buds sing with joy.

Variations for Crunch, Sweetness, or Tang

• Swap out grapes or cranberries with whatever fresh fruits are in season, like diced pears, mandarin oranges, or chopped strawberries for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
• Enhance the salad's nutritional value by adding diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or a sprinkle of goat cheese to transform it from a side dish to a complete meal.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo alternative to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy texture and delicious flavor profile of the original recipe.
• Experiment with different nuts like toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to add extra texture and a nutty dimension that complements the sweet and tangy apple base.

How to Plate and Serve Apple Salad

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Serve this apple salad as a delightful side dish at outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or potlucks where fresh and light options are always welcome.
• Brunch Elegance Centerpiece: Showcase this colorful salad as a stunning addition to your weekend brunch spread, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to eggs, quiches, or breakfast pastries.
• Dessert Alternative Delight: Use this salad as a healthier sweet treat after meals, offering a satisfying combination of fruit, nuts, and creamy dressing that feels indulgent yet nutritious.
• Protein Pairing Partner: Complement grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or baked fish with this apple salad, creating a balanced plate that combines crisp textures and complementary flavors.

Storing Apple Salad for Best Results

• Flavor Fusion Time: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer taste profile.
• Ingredient Protection Shield: Store apple salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors, keeping the delicate flavors intact.
• Smart Serving Strategy: Consume the salad within 1-2 days for optimal crunchiness and flavor, as fruits and nuts can soften over extended storage periods.
• Temperature Harmony: Keep the apple salad chilled at or below 40°F to ensure food safety and maintain ingredient quality, preventing potential bacterial growth.

Crisp Apple Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Refreshing apple salad brings Mediterranean flavors to your table with crisp ingredients and zesty dressing. Tangy notes and fresh herbs combine for a delightful experience you’ll savor alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 honeycrisp apples, cubed
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) pecans, chopped
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup (79 ml / 2.7 fl oz) mayonnaise
• 1.5 tbsps (22 ml / 0.7 fl oz) brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Citrus Protection: Toss apple cubes with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor complexity, ensuring apples maintain their pristine appearance and crisp texture.
2. Dressing Fusion: Whisk mayonnaise and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth, creating a creamy, subtly sweet foundation that will unite all salad components.
3. Component Integration: Combine prepared apples with celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries, gently folding ingredients to ensure each element is evenly coated with the luxurious dressing.
4. Flavor Development: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop a harmonious taste profile, melding the diverse textures and flavors into a cohesive blend.
5. Final Presentation: Stir the salad just before serving to redistribute the dressing, presenting a vibrant, refreshing dish that balances sweet, tangy, and nutty elements with an elegant, sophisticated appeal.

Notes

• Prevent Apple Browning: Lemon juice acts as a natural preservative, stopping apples from turning brown and maintaining their fresh, crisp appearance.
• Dressing Consistency Matters: Whisk mayonnaise and brown sugar thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that evenly embraces all ingredients.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows ingredients to meld, intensifying the overall taste and texture.
• Serving Tip: Stir just before serving to redistribute dressing and ensure each bite is equally flavorful and well-coated.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 187
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 97 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg