Apple Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Salad is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. The mix of fresh apples and crunchy walnuts gives a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. A touch of tangy dressing ties everything together, creating a salad that can stand alone or serve as a side for your main dish. Not only is this salad refreshing and full of flavor, but it’s also quick and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or a special occasion, this Apple Salad will be sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart, like Fuji and Granny Smith)

• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)

• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a healthier option)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Begin by washing and drying the apples. Core and slice them into bite-sized cubes or thin wedges.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, walnuts, celery, and optional red onion and raisins (if using).

3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For extra flavor, you can add more honey or a squeeze of lemon juice.

6. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, with an optional chilling time of 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Variations

• Add cheese: For a creamy twist, try adding a handful of crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese.

• Vegan version: Replace the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative like avocado or a vegan mayo.

• Extra crunch: Swap walnuts with almonds, pecans, or cashews for a different texture.

• Apple cider vinegar dressing: For a tangy version, replace the mayonnaise with a simple vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and mustard.

Storage/Reheating

Apple Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 1-2 days. However, the apples may begin to brown slightly. To prevent this, you can toss the apples in a little extra lemon juice before storing. It’s not recommended to reheat this salad, as it is meant to be served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple for this salad?

Yes! For the best flavor, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Fuji and Granny Smith.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance, but the apples may start to brown. Adding extra lemon juice can help prevent this.

3. Is there a non-dairy option for the dressing?

Yes, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo for a vegan-friendly version.

4. Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap walnuts for almonds, pecans, or any other nut you prefer.

5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Yes! Pears, grapes, or dried apricots can all be delicious additions to this salad.

6. How can I make this salad more filling?

To make it a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken, bacon, or quinoa to the salad.

7. Can I add a sweetener other than honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or stevia as alternative sweeteners.

8. How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

Toss the apples with a little lemon juice before mixing them into the salad to keep them from browning.

9. Can I substitute the raisins for other dried fruits?

Yes, cranberries, apricots, or even dried cherries work well in this salad.

10. Can I add a dressing with a more tangy flavor?

Yes! You can replace the mayonnaise-based dressing with a vinaigrette made of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and mustard for more acidity.

Conclusion

This Apple Salad is a simple yet delightful dish that combines fresh, crisp apples with crunchy nuts and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether as a side dish or a light meal. With plenty of room for variations, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Enjoy this refreshing salad for a healthy and delicious addition to your meal!