Apple Salad with Crispy Apples, Celery, Grapes, Walnuts & Dried Cranberries

Description

This fresh and vibrant apple salad is the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and refreshing flavors. Crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery are tossed with walnuts and chewy dried cranberries, all coated in a light, creamy dressing. It’s a quick, wholesome dish ideal for lunch, side dishes, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), chopped
1 cup grapes (halved)
2 celery stalks (thinly sliced)
½ cup walnuts (chopped)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Wash and chop apples into bite-sized pieces.
Slice celery and halve grapes.
In a large bowl, combine apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and cranberries.
In a separate bowl, mix yogurt (or mayo), honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor.
Serve fresh.

Notes

Use firm apples to maintain crunch.
Lemon juice helps prevent apples from browning.
Greek yogurt gives a lighter, healthier option than mayo.

Tips

Add shredded chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Sprinkle feta or blue cheese for extra flavor.
Toast walnuts for deeper, richer taste.
Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Servings

Serves: 4–6 people

Nutritional Info (Approx per serving)

Calories: 180–240
Carbohydrates: 25–30g
Sugar: 18–22g
Fat: 8–12g
Protein: 4–6g
Fiber: 3–5g

Benefits

Rich in fiber for digestion
Packed with antioxidants from apples and cranberries
Heart-healthy fats from walnuts
Hydrating and refreshing ingredients
Low prep, nutrient-dense meal

Q&A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add apples just before serving to keep them fresh.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based yogurt or skip dressing and use vinaigrette.

Q: How long does it last?
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work great.

Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Yes, especially when made with Greek yogurt and no added sugar.