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

If you’re looking for a salad that’s crisp, refreshing, and just the right amount of sweet and savory, then this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is exactly what you need. Trust me, it’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors—crunchy apples, juicy grapes, tender celery, and the nutty richness of pecans, all tied together with a light, tangy dressing. You’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

It’s one of those salads that’s so good, you could eat it as a meal, or serve it as a side that steals the show. The combination of fresh, crisp ingredients makes it feel light and refreshing, while the sweet and savory elements keep every bite interesting. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a holiday spread, or just a healthy snack, you’re in for a treat.

Why You’ll Love Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

This salad has everything you could want: crunch, sweetness, and a little tang. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, prepping for a healthy lunch, or simply satisfying your snack cravings. Here’s why it’s such a favorite:

Fresh and Flavorful

The Honeycrisp apples bring the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch, while the grapes add a burst of juiciness. The celery gives it a satisfying crispness, and the dried cranberries bring in a touch of tartness. Plus, pecans add a nutty richness that takes this salad to the next level.

Easy to Make

This salad comes together in minutes! There’s no cooking involved, and the ingredients are simple and easy to find. It’s a fantastic recipe when you want something quick, fresh, and full of flavor.

Healthy and Refreshing

Packed with fresh fruit and veggies, this salad is as healthy as it is delicious. It’s the perfect way to add some extra nutrients to your day without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor.

Versatile

You can serve it on its own or pair it with anything from roasted chicken to a sandwich. It’s an easy side dish that pairs perfectly with almost anything, or it could easily become the star of the show for a light lunch or dinner.

Customizable

Feel free to make this salad your own! Add in extra fruits, nuts, or even some cheese if you like. Want to make it more savory? Throw in some crumbled feta or goat cheese! This salad is totally adaptable.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this apple salad to life:

Honeycrisp Apples

The star of the show! Honeycrisp apples are sweet, juicy, and crunchy—perfect for this salad. They hold their texture well and provide that satisfying bite you crave.

Celery

The celery adds a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the apples and grapes. It’s light and adds that perfect crispness to each bite.

Grapes

Red or green grapes bring a juicy, sweet burst of flavor that works so well with the apples and cranberries.

Pecans

Toasty, crunchy pecans add a nutty richness to the salad. They also give it that extra bit of depth and texture that makes each bite exciting.

Dried Cranberries

These bring a touch of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit. Plus, they add a pop of color to make the salad look even more appetizing!

Dressing

A simple honey-lemon dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. It’s the perfect finishing touch that enhances all the flavors in the salad without overpowering them.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements, including quantities, are in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients, let’s put this beauty together:

Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing the apples, grapes, and celery. Slice the apples into bite-sized pieces, and slice the celery into thin half-moons. Cut the grapes in half (or leave them whole if you prefer). Roughly chop the pecans to your desired size.

Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it all together.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything again until it’s evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, or chill for 10-15 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld together. It’s as simple as that—fresh, crisp, and ready to go!

(Note: Full instructions are available in the recipe card below.)

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

This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Side Dish

Pair it with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a sandwich for a well-rounded meal. The refreshing flavors make it the perfect complement to almost any main dish.

As a Light Lunch

Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying yet light lunch. You can even add a scoop of cottage cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt to make it more filling.

For Special Occasions

This salad would be a gorgeous addition to any holiday spread, potluck, or family dinner. It looks so colorful and festive on the table and tastes just as great as it looks.

Snack Time

Looking for a healthy, crunchy snack? This salad is perfect for nibbling throughout the day. It’s refreshing, light, and packed with nutrients.

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make your salad extra special:

Use Fresh, Crisp Apples

Fresh, crisp apples are key for the best texture. Honeycrisp is my favorite for its perfect balance of sweet and tart, but feel free to use your favorite variety!

Add Extra Texture

Want even more crunch? Toss in some sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or even some granola for added texture.

Make It Ahead of Time

This salad can be made ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to dress it until just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.

Dress It to Taste

Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey depending on your taste. You can also add a little more lemon juice if you want it to be more tangy!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the breakdown for one serving of Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 27g
• Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

(Note: Nutritional values are based on the ingredients as listed. Adjustments for substitutions will affect the nutritional content.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking involved!)
• Total Time: 10 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of apple?

A1: Absolutely! You can use any apple variety you like, but Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for their sweetness and crunch. Fuji or Gala apples would work well too.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Q3: How long will leftovers last?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan on storing it.

Q4: Can I use another type of nut?

A4: Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews would be delicious substitutes for pecans.

Q5: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

A5: Yes, you can make the honey-lemon dressing in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this salad?

A6: Yes, adding cheese like feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese would be a great addition for a savory twist.

Q7: How can I make this salad vegan?

A7: To make it vegan, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing, and you’re good to go!

Q8: Can I add more fruits to this salad?

A8: Absolutely! Pears, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds would be great additions for even more fruit flavor.

Q9: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

A9: Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so I recommend sticking with dried cranberries for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

A10: Definitely! Just be sure to use a larger bowl to toss everything and adjust the dressing ingredients as needed.

Conclusion

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is the perfect dish to refresh your taste buds and brighten up your meal. Whether you serve it as a side, a light lunch, or a festive dish, it’s bound to impress with its crisp, sweet, and savory flavors. Enjoy every crunchy, juicy bite—you’re going to love it!

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