Looking for a dish that’s as crisp and refreshing as a fall breeze? This Apple Salad is here to save the day! It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy—a salad so good, you’ll forget it’s healthy. Whether you’re making it as a side dish for dinner, a light lunch, or even as part of a festive holiday spread, this recipe checks all the boxes. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Light and Refreshing: The apples and greens bring a fresh, crisp vibe that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Sweet apples, tangy dressing, crunchy nuts—it’s all about balance, and this salad nails it.
Quick and Easy: You can toss this together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
Customizable: Switch up the ingredients to fit your taste buds or what you have on hand.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves this salad, from kids to adults. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have people asking for the recipe at potlucks.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this crisp and flavorful Apple Salad:
Apples: The star of the salad. Go for crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the perfect texture and sweetness.
Mixed Greens: A fresh base—think spinach, arugula, or a spring mix.
Dried Cranberries: For a sweet-tart pop of flavor.
Pecans: Add crunch and a nutty richness. Walnuts work too!
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, it ties the salad together.
Dressing: A simple balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing works wonders.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Apples: Slice your apples thinly or into bite-sized chunks. You can toss them with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
Assemble the Greens: In a large bowl, add your mixed greens as the base.
Top with Toppings: Scatter the sliced apples, dried cranberries, pecans, and crumbled feta over the greens.
Drizzle the Dressing: Pour your dressing evenly over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salad and enjoy its vibrant, refreshing flavors!
How to Serve Apple Salad
As a Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork, or even a hearty pasta dish.
As a Light Main: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a full meal.
With Fresh Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a warm roll completes the meal beautifully.
Festive Add-On: Perfect for holiday tables, it adds a bright, fresh touch to heavier dishes.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Apples: Crisp, fresh apples are key to this salad’s success. Avoid mushy ones!
Toast the Nuts: Toasting pecans or walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
Make it Ahead: Prep the ingredients in advance, but toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Swap Ingredients: Switch out the dried cranberries for raisins, or use goat cheese instead of feta.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other types of apples?
A1: Absolutely! Use whatever apples you love or have on hand. Just aim for crisp, flavorful varieties.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prep the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
Q3: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A3: Toss them with a little lemon juice or vinegar—it works like magic.
Q4: Can I substitute the nuts?
A4: Of course! Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds work well.
Q5: What’s the best dressing for this salad?
A5: A balsamic vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing complements the flavors beautifully.
Q6: Can I make this salad dairy-free?
A6: Skip the feta cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. It’s still delicious!
Q7: Can I add protein?
A7: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a boiled egg makes it more filling.
Q8: Can I use a different cheese?
A8: Yes, goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded Parmesan are great substitutes.
Q9: Can I make this salad vegan?
A9: Yes, use a vegan cheese alternative and ensure your dressing is plant-based.
Q10: How do I store leftovers?
A10: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but note that the greens may wilt slightly.
Conclusion
This Apple Salad is light, fresh, and full of vibrant flavors. It’s the perfect way to add some color and crunch to your meal, whether you’re enjoying it as a simple lunch or bringing it to a gathering. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular on your table!
Print
Apple Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish combining crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and a sweet cinnamon dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light dessert, it’s a delightful addition to any meal!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled as a side salad or a light dessert.
Notes
- Add chopped celery or grapes for extra crunch and sweetness.
- Substitute dried cranberries for raisins for a festive touch.
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a spiced twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg