Easy and Refreshing Apple Salad for Sunny Days (Print Version)

Whip up an Easy and Refreshing Apple Salad. Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty dressing make this a quick, bright side dish.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp & Crunchy Base

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

→ Zesty Dressing Essentials

03 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Optional Swirls

11 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries
12 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready. I like to core them and then chop them into bite-sized pieces. No need for perfection here, just rustic chunks. As I'm chopping, I usually give them a quick sniff—that fresh apple scent is just the best. Then, finely chop your celery. I always aim for small pieces so they blend well without overpowering the apples. This is where I sometimes get a little too enthusiastic with my knife, leading to tiny celery bits flying everywhere! It's all part of the fun, right?
02 - This step is crucial for flavor, trust me. Grab a dry skillet and toss those walnuts in there over medium heat. Keep them moving, shaking the pan every now and then, until you smell that lovely, nutty aroma and they're just slightly golden. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don't walk away! I've burned more walnuts than I care to admit by getting distracted. Once they're done, let them cool a bit. Break them up roughly if they're whole; we want texture, not huge chunks.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Whisk it all together until it's super smooth and creamy. I love how the lemon brightens the whole mixture! Now, add your salt and pepper. If you're using fresh dill, chop it finely and stir it in here too. Give it a taste. Does it need more zing? More sweetness? This is your chance to adjust it to your liking. I often add an extra squeeze of lemon because I like things bright!
04 - Alright, time for the main event! In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your chopped apples and celery. Pour that glorious, zesty dressing over the top. Now, this is important: use a spatula or a large spoon and fold everything together. You want to make sure every apple and celery piece gets a nice coating of that delicious dressing. Be gentle, we don't want mushy apples! I always marvel at how quickly the colors come alive once the dressing is added.
05 - Once the apples and celery are well coated, fold in your toasted walnuts. They add such a fantastic crunch! Give it another gentle stir. Now, here's my personal secret for this Easy and Refreshing Apple Salad: cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes the salad even more refreshing. I used to skip this, and it was good, but chilling it? Game changer!
06 - When you're ready to serve, give the salad one last gentle stir. If it looks a little dry, you can always add another tiny splash of lemon juice or a dollop of yogurt. I sometimes garnish with a little extra fresh dill or a few more walnut pieces for presentation. This Easy and Refreshing Apple Salad should look vibrant and inviting, with crisp apples and a creamy, tangy dressing. It's seriously the perfect light side or lunch!

# Notes:

01 - Always use crisp, firm apples; soft ones will turn to mush, and that's just sad.
02 - Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes; it makes the flavors sing and improves the texture so much.
03 - If you're out of fresh dill, a tiny pinch of dried works, but fresh really makes it pop.
04 - Don't skip toasting the walnuts; it truly deepens their flavor and adds an incredible aroma.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - mixing bowls
04 - whisk
05 - skillet

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 4g

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