Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your table with something crisp, colorful, and irresistibly delicious, you absolutely have to try this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries! A harmonious mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, this vibrant salad captures the very best of fresh produce in every bite. The juicy snap of Honeycrisp apples, the crunch of celery and toasted pecans, and a creamy, lightly sweetened Greek yogurt dressing come together for a side dish that’s equally at home at a weekday lunch as it is on a festive holiday buffet. With every forkful, you’ll taste why it’s a favorite in my home — and soon to be in yours!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is how a handful of everyday ingredients shine so brightly together. Each element in the Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries has a distinct character, adding crunch, color, or a playful sweetness that transforms every mouthful into pure joy.

• Honeycrisp apples: Their crispy bite and natural sweetness make them the superstar of this salad—core and chop just before using to keep things fresh.
• Seedless red grapes: Juicy, sweet grapes add a pop of color and playful texture; halving them makes each bite nicely balanced.
• Celery stalks: Thinly sliced, celery lends a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness that keeps the salad lively and light.
• Pecans: Toasted and chopped, these nuts bring a rich, buttery flavor and crunch that’s utterly satisfying.
• Dried cranberries: A tangy-sweet surprise, they add little bursts of chewy texture (and a festive flair!) in every bite.
• Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: Choose your favorite creamy base—a little tangier with yogurt, or richer with mayo.
• Honey: Just a tablespoon gives the dressing a natural sweetness without overwhelming the fruit.
• Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors and keeps those freshly chopped apples from browning.
• Salt: A simple pinch of salt brings everything together and lets those key flavors pop.

How to Make Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Ingredients

Gather up your Honeycrisp apples, grapes, celery, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, slice the grapes in half, thinly slice the celery, and give those pecans a quick chop. If you want to get ahead of any browning, you can toss the apples with just a splash of lemon juice right away.

Step 2: Mix the Produce and Nuts

In a large salad bowl, add the chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. This is where the Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries really starts to come to life—just looking at this bowl of colors will have you anticipating your first bite!

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. The honey adds warmth, the lemon zings things up, and the creamy base ties everything together beautifully.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour the finished dressing over your bowl of fruits, nuts, and veggies. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss until every piece is lightly coated. You’ll want to be gentle to keep the apples and grapes intact and the pecans crunchy.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

You can serve the salad right away for maximum freshness, or cover it and pop it in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours so the flavors meld together just a little more. Either way, Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra toasted pecans or a handful of microgreens on top makes this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries look absolutely irresistible. For a special twist, try a few shavings of parmesan for a savory finish, or a tiny drizzle of honey just before serving for that glossy pop.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, herby sandwiches, or even a simple quiche. Its sweet and savory balance complements heavier mains as a refreshing counterpoint, or you can let it shine solo on a light lunch spread with warm rolls or a cheeseboard.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in the mood for something a little extra, scoop portions into endive leaves for an elegant appetizer. Serve family-style in a big wooden bowl, or layer it into individual mason jars for a fun picnic vibe. However you serve it, Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries always looks as joyous as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep any leftover Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries tasting its best, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day or so—after that, the fruit may soften and the nuts can lose some crunch, but the flavors still shine!

Freezing

Sadly, this salad isn’t a freezer-friendly dish. The fresh apples and celery don’t hold up well when frozen and thawed, as they tend to get mushy and lose their vibrant crunch.

Reheating

No reheating needed for this marvelously fresh, crisp salad—in fact, it’s meant to be enjoyed cold! If you’ve chilled it ahead of serving, just give it a gentle toss and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to take the chill off before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are unbeatable for their sweet-tart balance and crunch, you can substitute Pink Lady, Fuji, or Gala apples. Just pick something crisp and flavorful for the best texture.

Is there a vegan or dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes, simply use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) in place of Greek yogurt, and swap out honey for maple syrup or agave to keep this salad both vegan and delicious.

Can I add protein to make this a main dish?

You bet! Chopped cooked chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas blend seamlessly into Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries for a hearty, protein-rich meal.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Just spread chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Watch carefully, as nuts go from toasted to burnt quickly!

How far in advance can I make this salad?

You can assemble everything except the dressing up to a day in advance. Combine with the dressing right before serving to keep everything bright, crisp, and tasty.

Final Thoughts

If you crave fresh, vibrant flavors that truly celebrate the bounty of the season, don’t wait to whip up this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries. I hope it brings as much cheer to your table (and your taste buds!) as it does to mine—give it a try and share the love with friends and family!

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