Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad: A Fresh, Crisp Treat (Print Version)

This Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad brings a delightful crunch and sweet creaminess. A simple, fresh recipe for any gathering, easily made from your kitchen.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Home-style)
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh & Fruity Base

01 - 4 crisp apples (like Fuji or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
02 - 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

→ Crunchy Add-ins

03 - 1 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Creamy Dressing

04 - 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
05 - 1/4 cup sour cream
06 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (divided)
08 - Pinch of salt

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples and celery ready. Give them a good wash, then core and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. I usually go for about half-inch chunks. Don't worry too much about perfection here; rustic is good! Immediately toss them with a splash of that fresh lemon juice in a big bowl to keep them from turning brown. Chop the celery finely; you want crunch, not stringiness. This is where I always make sure my knife is super sharp, makes life so much easier.
02 - This step is crucial for the best Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad. Spread your walnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them, stirring occasionally, until they're fragrant and slightly darker, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, and don't walk away! I've burned so many walnuts by getting distracted. Once they're toasted, take them off the heat and let them cool completely. That cooling part? Super important for maximum crunch!
03 - In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, granulated sugar, the rest of the lemon juice, and that tiny pinch of salt. Whisk it until it's smooth and creamy. It should smell tangy and a little sweet, just perfect. Taste it! This is your chance to adjust the sugar or lemon to your liking. Sometimes I like it a little sweeter, sometimes more tart. Don't be shy about experimenting!
04 - Now for the fun part! Add your chopped apples, celery, and the cooled, toasted walnuts to the large bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You want to be gentle here so you don't bruise the apples too much. I love seeing all those vibrant colors mix together, it’s so satisfying.
05 - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, an hour is even better. This chilling time lets all those beautiful flavors meld together. The apples soak up some of that creamy dressing, and the walnuts maintain their crunch. I once served it right away, and it was good, but after chilling? Game changer!
06 - Give your Creamy Apple Walnut Fruit Salad a final gentle stir before serving. You can transfer it to a pretty serving bowl or just serve it straight from the mixing bowl, no judgment here! The final result should look vibrant, smell fresh and slightly sweet, and have that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. It’s ready to be devoured, my friend!

# Notes:

01 - My personal cooking tip: Don't skimp on chilling time; it makes the flavors sing.
02 - Storage advice: Keeps best in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but apples might brown a bit.
03 - Substitution I've tried: Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing.
04 - Serving suggestion: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a warm, inviting touch.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board
05 - skillet (for toasting walnuts)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 5g

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