Refreshing Apple Salad Recipe for Sunny Days (Print Version)

This Refreshing Apple Salad Recipe is crunchy, sweet, and tangy! A simple, vibrant dish perfect for any meal. Quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Apple Base

01 - 2 Granny Smith Apples, cored and chopped
02 - 2 Honeycrisp Apples, cored and chopped
03 - 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped

→ Creamy Dressing Essentials

04 - 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
05 - 1/4 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
06 - 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
07 - 1 tbsp Honey (or to taste)

→ Crunchy Add-ins

08 - 1/2 cup Walnuts, toasted and chopped
09 - 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries

→ Flavor Boosters

10 - 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
11 - 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste)
12 - 1/8 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! I usually wash them, then core and chop them into bite-sized pieces. I'm a bit finicky about bruising, so I try to be gentle. As soon as they're chopped, I toss them with a splash of that fresh lemon juice from the dressing ingredients to keep them from turning brown. Then, give your celery stalks a good rinse and chop them pretty finely. I just love the sound of the knife hitting the cutting board, a little kitchen symphony starting up.
02 - Now for the magic! In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, remaining lemon juice, and honey. This is where you get to be a taste-tester. I always take a tiny spoon, give it a swirl, and adjust the honey or lemon until it’s just right – a perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Honestly, I've had a few dressing disasters, but this combo is pretty foolproof. Make sure it's smooth and creamy, no lumps allowed!
03 - Time to bring it all together! Gently add your chopped apples and celery to the bowl with the dressing. This is where the kitchen starts to smell amazing, a mix of fresh apples and that creamy tang. I use a spatula to fold everything together, making sure every piece of apple and celery gets a good coating. Don't go too crazy, we want those apples to stay crisp, not mushy!
04 - Next up, the walnuts and dried cranberries! I usually just scatter them over the top, then fold them in. Remember those toasted walnuts? They're going to add such a fantastic texture. This step always makes me smile; it’s like adding little jewels to the salad. Sometimes I sneak a few extra cranberries because, well, why not? They add that perfect chewy sweetness.
05 - Finally, chop up that fresh parsley and stir it in. It adds a beautiful color and a hint of fresh flavor. Then, it's seasoning time! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I always start with a little, then taste, taste, taste. This is where you really make the Refreshing Apple Salad Recipe your own. Don't be afraid to adjust until it sings!
06 - Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial! It lets all those wonderful flavors meld together, and the salad gets even more refreshing. When it's ready, give it a final stir, maybe a sprinkle of extra parsley if you're feeling fancy, and serve. The apples should still be wonderfully crisp, and the dressing perfectly creamy. So good!

# Notes:

01 - Always use fresh lemon juice for that vibrant zing, I learned that the hard way.
02 - This salad keeps well in an airtight container for 2-3 days, perfect for next-day lunches.
03 - Pecans or slivered almonds work great if you're out of walnuts, I've tried both!
04 - Serve it on a bed of spinach or as a sandwich filling for a quick, satisfying meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large mixing bowl
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife
05 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

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

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