If you’re craving a salad that bursts with crisp textures, vibrant colors, and a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors, then you absolutely must try this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe. It’s a delightful medley of crunchy Honeycrisp apples, juicy grapes, and toasted pecans, all tied together with a luscious, slightly sweet dressing that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re looking to brighten up a simple lunch or impress guests at a get-together, this salad fits the bill with its fresh ingredients and easy preparation.

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe uses a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that work beautifully together to deliver layers of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a vital role, from the crisp apples to the creamy dressing and the chewy cranberries that provide a delightful contrast.

2 large Honeycrisp apples: These apples offer perfect sweetness and crunch, the star of this salad.
1 cup red grapes: Halved for a juicy burst that complements the apples wonderfully.
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery: Adds a fresh, crisp note and a little savory balance.
1/3 cup chopped pecans: Toasted if you like, for a rich, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
1/4 cup dried cranberries: Bring a cheerful pop of tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Creates a creamy, luscious dressing base that holds it all together.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tart flavors.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds zesty brightness.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, to round out the flavors with a pinch of seasoning.

How to Make Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Start by coring and chopping your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Halve the red grapes to reveal their juicy interiors and thinly slice the celery for just the right crispness. Place all these fresh ingredients in a large mixing bowl, which will hold all the delicious flavors as they come together.

Step 2: Add the Pecans and Dried Cranberries

Next, chop the pecans coarsely. You can toast them lightly in a dry skillet if you prefer a deeper, nuttier flavor and added crunch. Toss the pecans and dried cranberries into the mixing bowl with the apples, grapes, and celery, letting their textures and colors mingle with the fresh produce.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that blends the entire salad into one harmonious bite.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, then gently toss everything to make sure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully. Serve it cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation and extra flavor, sprinkle a few additional toasted pecans or a few dried cranberries on top just before serving. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely refreshing aroma and a pop of color that makes the salad feel even more special.

Side Dishes

This salad shines as a vibrant side at any gathering. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a well-rounded meal, or alongside hearty sandwiches for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Its vegetarian and gluten-free nature make it super versatile, too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow guests, serve this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe in individual glass cups or Mason jars. Layer the salad with a spoonful of dressing at the bottom and the fruit and nuts on top for a fun and visually appealing treat. You can also stuff it in crisp lettuce cups for a light appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors continue to develop, although the apples may slightly soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh if possible. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe because the fresh fruits and creamy dressing will lose their texture and become soggy upon thawing. For best taste and texture, enjoy it fresh.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for a few minutes or give it a gentle toss at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties instead of Honeycrisp?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, crisp varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady also work wonderfully in this salad to keep that satisfying texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with your favorite plant-based alternative, and use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetening. This will keep the creamy texture and sweet-tart flavor intact.

Can I add other nuts or seeds?

Definitely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the fruits beautifully. Just toast them lightly for extra depth.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just be aware that the apples may start to brown, so tossing them in lemon juice before combining helps maintain their freshness longer.

What if I want a tangier dressing?

Great idea! Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or substitute part of the yogurt with sour cream to give the dressing a wonderful tang that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and honey.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe quickly became one of my favorite go-to dishes because it’s fresh, easy, and full of wonderful flavors and textures. It’s perfect for just about any occasion, whether everyday or special, and brings a burst of brightness to your plate. Give it a try soon — I promise this delightful salad will bring a smile every time!

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp, Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

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4.3 from 71 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

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Description

This Apple Salad features crisp Honeycrisp apples combined with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, toasted pecans, and chewy dried cranberries, tossed in a creamy honey-lemon dressing made with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. It’s a refreshing, healthy, and easy no-cook salad perfect for fall gatherings or as a vibrant side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Nuts

2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
1 cup red grapes, halved
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/3 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped Honeycrisp apples, halved red grapes, thinly sliced celery, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries to create the base of the salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, balancing sweetness and tang.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture and gently toss everything together, making sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the prepared salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

For a tangier flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or substitute part of the Greek yogurt/mayo with sour cream in the dressing.
This salad makes an excellent fresh and crunchy side dish, especially during the fall season.
To enhance texture and flavor, lightly toast the pecans before chopping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American