Apple Salad Recipe
This crisp Apple Salad balances sweet and tart flavors with a creamy dressing, making it a classic side dish or light lunch. The addition of grapes and pecans provides a variety of textures that hold up well even if prepared slightly in advance.
Ingredients
The Dressing
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
The Salad Base
- 3-4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cubed
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted
Preparation
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, mayonnaise, and brown sugar. Whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Prep the Fruit: Core and cube your apples. Toss them immediately into the dressing; the lemon juice acts as an antioxidant to prevent the apple flesh from browning.
- Combine: Fold in the grapes, celery, and nuts until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Storage Tip: If you’re making this more than 2 hours ahead, wait to add the nuts until just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
