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

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a well-balanced apple salad. Combining crisp fruits, crunchy nuts, and a touch of sweetness, this salad is perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a festive addition to your holiday table. In this recipe, Honeycrisp apples take center stage, bringing a sweet-tart flavor and satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of celery, the natural sweetness of grapes, the buttery richness of pecans, and the tangy bite of dried cranberries.

Here’s a detailed guide to creating this vibrant and flavorful salad.

Ingredients

For the salad:

3 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 cup red or green seedless grapes, halved
½ cup pecans, lightly toasted
½ cup dried cranberries

For the dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by washing your Honeycrisp apples thoroughly. Core them to remove the seeds and cut them into bite-sized chunks. To prevent browning, toss the apple pieces immediately in a small bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This will also add a subtle zesty brightness to the salad.

Step 2: Slice the Celery

Wash the celery stalks and slice them thinly at a slight diagonal. This angle adds a more elegant presentation and ensures the celery pieces blend well with the apples without overwhelming every bite.

Step 3: Halve the Grapes

Rinse your seedless grapes and cut them in half. Halving the grapes ensures that their juicy sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the salad. You can use red, green, or a mix of both for visual appeal.