Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

A crisp, refreshing, and naturally sweet salad that’s perfect for fall gatherings, meal prep, or a healthy snack. This Apple Salad brings together the best of textures and flavors—crunchy, sweet, tart, and nutty—in every bite.

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🧾 Ingredients:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced (leave skin on for color and crunch)

• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced

• 1 cup red or green grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped or halved

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)

• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a bit of tang)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or Greek yogurt (for creamier texture)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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🍽️ Directions:

1. Prep the apples: Dice them and toss immediately with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning.

2. Add remaining ingredients: Celery, grapes, cranberries, and pecans.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil (or Greek yogurt) until smooth.

4. Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.

5. Season lightly: Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Chill & serve: Refrigerate for 20 minutes before serving for best flavor (optional but recommended).

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🧠 Nutrition (per serving, approx. 6 servings):

Note: These values vary slightly depending on whether you use oil or yogurt.

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🥗 Serving Ideas:

• As a light side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches.

• Served over greens (like arugula or spinach) for a hearty lunch salad.

• Meal prep-friendly – keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge.

• Great for potlucks, holidays, or picnics – colorful, healthy, and crowd-pleasing.

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💡 Recipe Tips:

• Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for a balance of tart and sweet.

• Toasted pecans give an extra nutty flavor—worth the 5 minutes in a dry pan!

• Swap options: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. Add goat cheese or feta for a savory twist.

• Want it creamier? Add a spoonful of mayo or Greek yogurt to the dressing.

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for a full meal.

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❓ Related Questions:

1. Can I make this apple salad ahead of time?

Yes! Toss the apples in lemon juice to prevent browning and store in an airtight container. Best eaten within 2 days for freshness.

2. What apples work best besides Honeycrisp?

Granny Smith (tart), Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any add-ins or condiments are labeled gluten-free.

4. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

You can, but dried cranberries offer sweetness. If using fresh, consider adding a touch more honey or maple syrup.

5. What can I use instead of nuts (for allergy-friendly version)?

Use roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) for the crunch without allergens.