Easy Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Cranberries

If you're looking for a quick and delicious side dish or salad that takes just 10 minutes to prepare, this Apple Salad with grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries is a must-try. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or just a simple weekday side, this recipe combines fresh, crisp apples with tangy grapes, crunchy nuts, and sweet cranberries for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Why You'll Love This Apple Salad

• Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this apple salad is perfect for busy days.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is both budget-friendly and delicious.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it by adding different types of fruits, nuts, or seeds to suit your taste.

Ingredients You Need

• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed (or any other crisp apple variety)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 ribs of celery, sliced thinly
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 216 kcal per serving

1. Prep the Apples: Start by cutting the apples into cubes. Toss the apple cubes in the lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of zesty flavor.
2. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Ingredients: Add the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the creamy dressing.
4. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled for the best results.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Salad

• Use Crisp Apples: Honeycrisp apples are a great choice for their sweetness and crunch, but feel free to experiment with other crisp varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for a tart twist.
• Grape Substitutions: You can replace red grapes with any seedless variety of your choice. Green grapes offer a different flavor and color contrast to the salad.
• Make Ahead: This apple salad can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
• Nut Alternatives: If you're not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them out for walnuts, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for added crunch.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This salad doesn't freeze well, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 216 kcal
• Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 16g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 92mg
• Potassium: 159mg
• Vitamin A: 94 IU
• Vitamin C: 11 mg
• Calcium: 23 mg
• Iron: 1 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a family dinner, holiday gathering, or picnic, this apple salad is a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Add different ingredients like dried cherries, walnuts, or even blue cheese to mix up the flavors.
• Refreshing and Crunchy: The apples and celery provide a fresh, crunchy texture while the grapes and cranberries add bursts of sweetness.
• Simple to Make: With minimal ingredients and effort, this salad is as easy as it gets!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this apple salad vegan by substituting the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative.

What Type of Apples Work Best?

Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweetness and crisp texture, but feel free to experiment with varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith.

How Do I Keep My Apples from Browning?

Tossing the cubed apples in lemon juice will help prevent browning and keep them fresh and bright in your salad.

Final Thoughts

This easy and refreshing apple salad with grapes, pecans, and cranberries is a delicious side dish that you can prepare in minutes. Whether you're looking for a dish to bring to a potluck or a quick addition to a weekday meal, this salad has you covered. With its delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity elements, it's sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection.