Welcome to your new favorite salad, perfect for any season but especially delightful in autumn. This Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries combines the crispness of fresh apples with the juicy sweetness of grapes, the rich crunch of pecans, and the tangy bite of dried cranberries. This salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual feast, vibrant with colors and textures. Ideal for a healthy snack, a side dish at dinners, or a festive addition to holiday tables, this salad promises to be both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 medium crisp apples, cored and chopped (like Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves (optional, for serving)
Directions In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, halved grapes, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and sliced celery.
How to Prepare In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. Pour this dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Servings This recipe serves 4 as a side dish.
FAQs
- Can I use different nuts instead of pecans? Yes, walnuts or almonds also work well in this salad for a different taste and crunch.
- Is there a vegan alternative to Greek yogurt? Absolutely, you can use a plant-based yogurt to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
- Can this salad be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add the pecans just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- What apples are best for this salad? Crisp, slightly tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal as they maintain their texture and add a fresh, juicy crunch.
- How can I enhance the flavor of this salad? Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavors and add a nice zesty note.