Looking for a fresh, crunchy, and nutritious salad? This Honeycrisp Apple Salad is packed with sweet apples, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing—perfect as a light lunch, holiday side dish, or refreshing snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Healthy & Light – Made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
✔ Crunchy & Creamy – The perfect texture combination.
✔ Naturally Sweetened – Uses honey instead of refined sugar.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and crisp for hours!
📌 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
🍏 For the Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
🥣 For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
💡 Optional Additions:
✔ Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch.
✔ Swap dried cranberries for raisins or pomegranate seeds.
🍽 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
1️⃣ Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces.
2️⃣ Dice the celery into small, even pieces for a balanced texture.
3️⃣ Slice the grapes in half, ensuring they are sweet and ripe.
4️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the apples, celery, grapes, dried cranberries, and pecans.
💡 Pro Tip: To prevent apples from browning, toss them in a teaspoon of lemon juice before mixing!
🥣 Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
1️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
2️⃣ Stir until smooth and well combined.
💡 Want it tangier? Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice!
🥗 Step 3: Assemble the Salad
1️⃣ Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the apple mixture.
2️⃣ Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
3️⃣ Be careful not to mash the fruits while mixing—keep the textures intact!
💡 For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
🌰 Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
1️⃣ Sprinkle chopped pecans on top just before serving for extra crunch.
2️⃣ Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish, snack, or meal!
💡 Toast the pecans lightly before adding them for an even richer flavor!
🕰️ Recipe Timing & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: ~200 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4-6
Pro Tips & Variations
✔ Make it Dairy-Free – Swap Greek yogurt for coconut yogurt.
✔ Boost Protein – Add grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
✔ Want More Flavor? Try adding nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for a spiced twist.
✔ Make It Vegan – Use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based option.
❓ FAQs
How long does this salad last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Keep the dressing separate and mix it in just before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I serve this with?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, sandwiches, wraps, or as a holiday side dish!