Honeycrisp Apple Salad

Drusilla A. McCarley’s Honeycrisp Apple Salad is a delightful blend of crisp Honeycrisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing. This salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal.

🥗 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped

• 1 cup celery, diced

• 1 cup red grapes, halved

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (toasted for added flavor)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Salad Base:

   • Core and chop the Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces.

   • Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces.

   • Halve the red grapes, removing any seeds or stems.

   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, diced celery, halved grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.

2. Make the Dressing:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine and Toss:

   • Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture.

   • Toss gently to coat everything evenly, being careful not to mash the fruits.

4. Chill and Serve:

   • Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

   • Serve chilled, garnishing with additional chopped pecans if desired.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Prevent Browning: Toss the chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad to prevent browning.

• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the salad base and dressing separately. Combine just before serving to maintain crispness.

• Nut-Free Version: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free version.

• Dairy-Free Dressing: Swap Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt or use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup.

• Alternative Fruits: Substitute red grapes with green grapes, pomegranate arils, or chopped fresh pineapple for a different flavor profile.

• Cheese Additions: Add crumbled feta, blue cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar for a savory twist.

• Extra Crunch: Add sliced radishes or shredded carrots for additional crunch and color.

• Sweetener Swap: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different sweetness.