This refreshing and nutritious Honeycrisp Apple Salad by Drusilla A. McCarley combines sweet, tart, and crunchy ingredients into a perfect side dish or light meal. The combination of Honeycrisp apples, red grapes, pecans, and a tangy, creamy yogurt dressing makes it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped Honeycrisp apples, diced celery, halved red grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries. Stir gently to mix the ingredients together.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss everything together gently until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill:
- Place the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors and textures!
Variations:
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
- Dairy-Free Dressing: Swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup.
- Alternative Fruits: Replace red grapes with green grapes, pomegranate arils, or chopped fresh pineapple for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Additions: Add crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar for a savory twist.
- Different Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or cashews instead of pecans for variety.
- Extra Crunch: Add sliced radishes or shredded carrots for additional crunch and color.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness.
Tips:
- Prevent Browning: To prevent the apples from browning, toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the salad base and the dressing separately and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Serve as a Meal: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu to turn this salad into a light, protein-packed meal.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg for a warmer, spiced flavor profile.
- Chilling Time: For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes, but not more than 4 hours, to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
This Honeycrisp Apple Salad is a versatile and customizable dish that is perfect for lunch, a side at dinner, or even a healthy snack. Enjoy experimenting with variations to make it your own!