Refreshing Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans & Cranberries

The crisp, refreshing crunch of apples mingling with juicy grapes, rich pecans, and tangy dried cranberries creates a delightful explosion of flavors in your mouth. complementary salad recipe This Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is not just a dish; it’s an experience that dances on your palate and tickles your senses. fresh Greek salad recipe.

Picture this: it’s a sunny picnic day or a festive family gathering, and you unveil this vibrant salad that everyone can’t resist. Packed with textures and colors, it instantly brightens any table. The anticipation builds as you take the first bite, and suddenly, all is right in the world—crunchy, sweet, nutty bliss!

Ingredients for Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best flavor and texture.
• Red Grapes: Fresh red grapes add sweetness and juiciness; wash them thoroughly before use.
• Pecans: Opt for raw or roasted pecans for added crunch—toast them for extra flavor if desired.
• Dried Cranberries: These provide a tart contrast; look for unsweetened options if you prefer less sugar.
• Celery: Chopped celery brings a refreshing crunch; select firm stalks for the best texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt as a creamy base that adds protein without overpowering flavors.
• Honey: A drizzle of honey enhances sweetness naturally; adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice prevents browning of the apples while adding zesty brightness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing all fruits under cold water. Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces (don’t forget to remove the cores!). Halve the grapes and chop the celery into small pieces.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and pecans. Gently toss to combine without squishing anything.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Taste it to see if you need more honey or lemon juice—this is your dressing; make it perfect!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the dressing over your fruit mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Be gentle so those grapes don’t end up as grape juice!

Step 5: Chill Out

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle while keeping everything nice and cool.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer servings onto plates or into bowls when ready to serve. Garnish with extra pecans or cranberries if you want an Instagram-worthy finish!

This Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries makes a fantastic side dish or light meal. It’s perfect for warm days when you want something that’s both refreshing and satisfying! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by preparing all your ingredients first. Chop the apples and grapes while the pecans toast lightly in a pan. Assemble everything in a large bowl, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as you toss them together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the grapes for sliced strawberries or add some feta cheese for an extra tangy kick. You can even drizzle honey or a citrus dressing to enhance sweetness and zest.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh, simply toss with a little lemon juice before serving again for that fresh crunch.

Memories of making this salad during family gatherings always bring a smile to my face. The crunch, colors, and laughter around the table made it an instant hit every time—a true family favorite!

FAQs:

What ingredients are in Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries?

Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries features fresh apples, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and chewy dried cranberries. You can enhance the flavors with a simple dressing made from lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. This salad offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that make it perfect for any occasion. Using fresh and high-quality ingredients will ensure the best flavor profile for your salad. For more inspiration, check out this Apple Cider Braised Pork Shoulder recipe.

How do I make the dressing for Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries?

To create a delicious dressing for your Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries, mix lemon juice or apple cider vinegar with a touch of honey or maple syrup. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil for richness and whisk until combined. This dressing balances the sweetness of the fruits while enhancing their natural flavors. Pour it over your salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp. For more inspiration, check out this Blood Orange Salad recipe.

Can I add other fruits to my Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Apple Salad by adding other fruits like sliced pears, berries, or even citrus segments. These additions can bring extra layers of flavor and color to your dish. Just remember to keep the balance between sweet and tart to complement the apples and grapes beautifully. Experimenting with different fruits allows you to create a unique version tailored to your taste preferences.

Is Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries healthy?

Yes! Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a nutritious option packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Apples provide antioxidants while grapes add hydration. Pecans contribute healthy fats that promote heart health. Italian chopped salad option Additionally, dried cranberries offer sweetness without excessive sugar. healthy broccoli salad recipe When combined in this refreshing salad, these ingredients create not only a delicious dish but also a healthy one that fits well into balanced eating habits.

Conclusion for Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries:

Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any gathering or meal prep. By combining fresh apples and grapes with crunchy pecans and chewy cranberries, you create delightful textures and flavors. With its simple dressing made from lemon juice or vinegar, this salad stays light yet flavorful. Remember to explore various fruit combinations to make it uniquely yours while enjoying its many health benefits in every bite!

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Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries

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Apple Salad with Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines crisp apples with sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and tangy dried cranberries. Perfect for picnics or family gatherings, this easy-to-make salad delights with its explosion of flavors and textures. In just 15 minutes, you can create a colorful centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether as a side dish or light meal, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

• Total Time: 31 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 cup halved red grapes
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup pecans (raw or roasted)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Wash all fruits under cold water. Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces (removing cores), halve the grapes, and chop the celery.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine diced apples, halved grapes, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and pecans. Gently toss to mix.
3. In a small bowl, blend Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust sweetness with more honey if desired.
4. Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture in the large bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated.
5. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
6. Transfer to plates or bowls when ready to serve. Garnish with extra pecans or cranberries if desired.

• Author: Adriana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding them to the salad. - You can swap red grapes for sliced strawberries or add feta cheese for an extra tangy kick. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; refresh by tossing with lemon juice.