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Craving a sweet and savory treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying? Look no further! This Apple Salad recipe combines crisp apples, juicy raisins, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck side dish, or a healthy snack! Inspired by cozy autumn flavors, this salad is a delightful twist on a classic. Let’s explore the magic of this simple yet irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Salad Recipe

This Apple Salad isn’t just tasty; it’s a winner on so many levels! It’s the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy textures.

Ready in under 15 minutes
Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors
Easily customizable to your liking
A healthier alternative to heavy desserts
Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
Ideal for meal prepping and picnics
A crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy

The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with warmth, and each bite will rekindle cozy, comforting feelings. This recipe is simple enough for a beginner, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable Apple Salad. Freshness is key, so choose your ingredients wisely.

4 medium apples (about 600g), cored and diced. Choose your favorite variety – Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully.
1/2 cup (80g) raisins. Golden or dark raisins both work well; plump them in warm water for extra juiciness.
1/2 cup (60g) chopped celery. Adds a refreshing crunch; make sure to remove the strings for a smoother texture.
1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise. Use your preferred brand or make your own for a personal touch.
2 tablespoons (30ml) lemon juice. Freshly squeezed is always best for a vibrant tang.
1 tablespoon (15ml) honey. Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the acidity.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toast the cinnamon lightly in a dry pan to unlock its aroma.
Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving). Adds a fresh, elegant presentation.

Find the freshest apples at your local farmers’ market for the best flavor and crunch. Remember, the quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste of the salad!

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – A warm and comforting dessert that’s incredibly easy to make.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes preparing this Apple Salad a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large bowl: For tossing all the ingredients together.
Small bowl: For whisking the dressing.
Whisk: To ensure the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Knife: For dicing the apples and chopping the celery and walnuts.
Cutting board: To protect your countertop while chopping.

A good quality knife will make dicing the apples much easier and safer. While a food processor could be used for chopping, it’s often easier to control the size of the pieces by hand.

Recipe Details

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is easily scaled up for larger gatherings or halved for a smaller portion. Perfect for any occasion!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and refreshing Apple Salad every time!

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, raisins, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts. Make sure the apples are uniformly diced for even flavor distribution. A mix of apple varieties can add depth to the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Ensure the dressing is smooth and creamy. Adjust the honey to taste, depending on your preferred level of sweetness.

Step 3: Mix and Refrigerate

Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle to avoid bruising the apples. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir. Serve the Apple Salad on lettuce leaves, if desired, for an elegant presentation. This salad is best served chilled. Enjoy!

CHECK OUT: Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – A delightful combination of two classic desserts!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Apple Salad turns out perfectly every time:

Prevent browning: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice immediately to prevent them from browning.
Toast the nuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Chill thoroughly: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust sweetness: Add more or less honey to suit your taste preferences.
Don’t overmix: Gently stir the salad to avoid bruising the apples.

For a smoother dressing, use room-temperature mayonnaise. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or apple juice. A microplane zests citrus quickly and efficiently, ensuring no bitter pith gets into your salad.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this Apple Salad to your liking with these variations and substitutions:

Yogurt dressing: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option.
Different nuts: Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
Dried cranberries: Replace raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist.
Vegan option: Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Honey can be replaced with agave nectar, but note that agave is slightly sweeter. Go creamy with cashew sauce for a dairy-free twist. For an earthy kick, add a dash of cumin.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Apple Salad

This Apple Salad is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches.
Enjoy it as a light lunch on lettuce leaves.
Bring it to a potluck or picnic.
Pair it with a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.

A crisp salad complements the sweetness of the apple salad perfectly. This dish is a fall feast stunner, ideal for Thanksgiving or autumn gatherings. Stack the salad high and garnish with extra walnuts for an elegant presentation.

Refreshing apple salad featuring walnuts.

Health Benefits of Apple Salad

This Apple Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Apples provide fiber and vitamin C, while walnuts are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants. Raisins offer a boost of iron and energy.

Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C.
Walnuts: Excellent source of healthy fats and antioxidants.
Raisins: Provide iron and energy.

The fiber aids digestion, while the protein from the nuts fuels you. This salad is a great way to incorporate more fruits and nuts into your diet! One serving rivals a small dose of vitamins!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s how to properly store and reheat your Apple Salad:

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not recommended, as this salad is best served chilled.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the apples and mayonnaise may change.

Cool the salad fully before sealing to prevent spoilage. Keep the salad away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator. The quality may deteriorate after 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Salad

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings. Just make sure to use a large enough bowl to accommodate all the ingredients. Watch the chilling time, and adjust as needed.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp for a unique flavor profile. Combining a mix of tart and sweet apples adds complexity to the salad.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Tossing the diced apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting them will help prevent browning. The acidity in the lemon juice slows down the oxidation process.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the apples from becoming too soggy.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vegan mayonnaise alternative can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. These options offer a lighter, tangier flavor profile.

How Do I Avoid Soggy Results?

Make sure your apples are relatively dry after dicing them. Adding the dressing right before serving will also help keep the salad from becoming soggy.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 15mg
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 2g

These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 35g from fruits and natural sweeteners.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delightful recipes? Check out these gems!

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad – A crunchy and refreshing salad with a touch of sweetness.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats – Start your day with a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Maple Apple Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert perfect for fall.

These recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that complement the Apple Salad beautifully!

Conclusion

This Apple Salad is fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its creamy texture and refreshing taste make it an instant favorite. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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Apple Salad

Author: Lorena
Total Time: 45 mins
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick, refreshing, and creamy Apple Salad recipe perfect as a side dish or snack!

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, raisins, chopped celery, and chopped walnuts.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir.
Serve the apple salad on lettuce leaves, if desired.

Notes

Apple Variety: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work well.
Nut Options: Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 15mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple salad, salad recipe, easy salad, fruit salad, healthy salad, side dish