Zingy Crunchy Sweet Apple Salad Recipe You’ll Enjoy Today

Crisp autumn winds whisper the magic of a crunchy & sweet apple salad that dances with flavor.

Seasonal orchards burst with ripe, juicy fruit waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary.

Textures collide in a symphony of crunch and softness that surprises your palate.

Bright ingredients intermingle, creating a delightful medley that feels both comforting and exciting.

Unexpected combinations elevate this simple dish from ordinary to memorable.

Each bite promises a refreshing adventure that connects you to nature’s bounty.

You’ll want to savor every delectable moment of this delightful culinary creation.

Crunchy & Sweet Apple Salad You’ll Crave

• Adaptable recipe that works wonderfully as a side dish, light lunch, or potluck contribution, appealing to both kids and adults with its sweet and crunchy textures.
• Packed with fresh fruits, nuts, and a protein-rich yogurt dressing, this salad delivers a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in every delightful bite.
• Celebrate autumn's bounty by showcasing crisp apples in a refreshing salad that captures the season's essence without requiring complex cooking techniques.

Ingredients That Make Apple Salad Shine

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples provide the main texture and sweetness of the salad. Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best crunch.
• Raisins: Sweet dried fruit that adds natural sugary notes and chewy texture. Optional dried cranberries work as an excellent substitute.

• Celery: Adds fresh, crisp texture and subtle peppery flavor. Use fresh, bright green stalks with minimal bruising.
• Walnuts: Provides nutty crunch and healthy fats. Raw or lightly toasted versions enhance the salad's complexity.
• Carrots: Optional ingredient that contributes additional crunch and bright color. Shredded or julienned work best.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides tangy flavor and smooth consistency. Mayonnaise can be used as an alternative.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the yogurt's tanginess. Local honey offers richer flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity and helps blend dressing components. Ensures balanced flavor profile.
• Feta Cheese: Optional topping that brings salty, creamy element. Goat cheese works as a suitable replacement.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance overall taste and balance flavors.

Toss Together Apple Salad Smoothly

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Honey
• Apple cider vinegar

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Fresh Ingredients

• Crisp apples (thinly sliced)
• Crunchy celery
• Walnuts
• Raisins
• Shredded carrots (optional)

Toss these ingredients gently in a large salad bowl, creating a colorful and texture-rich mix.

Step 3: Marry the Flavors

Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure every morsel gets a delicious coating.

Step 4: Finish with Flair

Transfer the salad to a serving dish. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour to let the flavors dance together.

Tips That Improve Apple Salad Fast

• Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best crunch and flavor balance in the salad.
• Prevent Browning Trick: Toss apple slices in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation while preparing the salad.
• Customize Nut Options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for different texture and flavor profiles, keeping the salad versatile for personal preferences.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately, combining just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Boost Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a hearty main course salad for a more substantial meal.

Save Apple Salad While Keeping It Crisp

• Store leftover apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice over the apples before storing to slow down oxidation and keep the fruit looking crisp and white.
• For best texture, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients to prevent sogginess. Mix just before serving to maintain the crunch of nuts and apples.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the texture of apples, celery, and yogurt dressing will become mushy and unappetizing when thawed.

Apple Salad Additions That Work Well

• Complement the sweet and tangy apple salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, highlighting the fresh flavors and cutting through the creamy dressing.
• Match the salad with herb-roasted chicken breast, creating a balanced meal where the light, crunchy salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm protein.
• Add a rustic baguette or sourdough slice to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a satisfying textural element to the bright, crisp salad.
• Arrange a small selection of mild cheeses like brie or camembert alongside the salad, offering creamy richness that complements the apple's sweetness and vinegarette's tang.

Remix Your Apple Salad with New Ideas

• Vegan Apple Crunch: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt, use maple syrup instead of honey, and swap feta cheese with crushed almonds or sunflower seeds for protein.
• Gluten-Free Garden Mix: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, add quinoa for extra nutrition, and use gluten-free nuts like pecans or sliced almonds.
• Low-Carb Apple Salad: Substitute raisins with pumpkin seeds, reduce honey quantity, use stevia as sweetener, and add more green vegetables like spinach or kale for volume.
• Seasonal Harvest Blend: Incorporate seasonal fruits like pears or mandarin orange segments, use seasonal nuts such as pistachios, and experiment with different herb garnishes like mint or basil.

Crunchy & Sweet Apple Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp apple slices dance with candied walnuts in this delightful Crunchy & Sweet Apple Salad, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Refreshing ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delectable experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Nuts:

• 3 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith), cored and diced
• ½ cup (50 grams / 1.75 ounces) chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ½ cup (75 grams / 2.65 ounces) dried cranberries or raisins

Vegetables and Crunch Additions:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) celery, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup (30 grams / 1 ounce) shredded carrots (optional, for extra crunch)

Dressing and Seasoning:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (or a mix of both)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and add a bright flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky dressing by vigorously blending Greek yogurt with golden honey and tangy apple cider vinegar until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency. Delicately season with salt and pepper, then set the dressing aside to allow flavors to mingle.
2. Select crisp, firm apples and slice them into delicate, uniform thin pieces to ensure an elegant texture and balanced bite in the salad.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, artfully combine the translucent apple slices with crunchy celery, hearty walnuts, sweet raisins, and vibrant shredded carrots. Gently tumble the ingredients to create an appetizing medley.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using a light touch to coat each ingredient evenly without overwhelming the delicate components.
5. For an optional luxurious finish, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese atop the salad, adding a creamy, tangy dimension to the dish.
6. Present the salad immediately for maximum crispness, or allow it to rest in the refrigerator for up to an hour, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify.

Notes

• Keep apples crisp by slicing just before serving to prevent browning and maintain a fresh, crunchy texture.
• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy consistency.
• Toast walnuts briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunchiness to the salad.
• Experiment with seasonal apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to create different flavor profiles and nutritional variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg