Crisp Apple Salad with Pecans, Grapes & Cranberries — A Sweet & Fresh Classic

Adam

Crisp Apple Salad with Pecans, Grapes & Cranberries — A Sweet & Fresh Classic

Few salads capture the bright, refreshing essence of fall quite like an Apple Salad. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy apples, sweet grapes, tangy cranberries, and toasty pecans, all tied together with a creamy, lightly sweet dressing. This version is inspired by timeless classics like the Waldorf salad, but with a modern twist — using Honeycrisp apples for their juicy sweetness and a simple dressing of mayonnaise, lemon, and brown sugar that balances flavor without feeling heavy. Every bite bursts with contrasting textures and flavors: crisp apples, chewy cranberries, nutty pecans, and a subtle hint of lemony brightness. It’s fresh, satisfying, and elegant enough for both casual lunches and festive gatherings. Perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a light weekday meal, this Crisp Apple Salad with Pecans and Grapes is easy to make, visually stunning, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table. 🍏✨

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Prep Time 15

chill time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Crisp Apple Salad:

🍎 Fruits and Vegetables

4 large Honeycrisp apples cored and chopped
1 cup seedless red grapes halved
½ cup dried cranberries
2 ribs celery thinly sliced
1 lemon juice of (to prevent browning and add brightness)

🍯 Condiments

⅓ cup mayonnaise

🍬 Aides culinaires et épices (Sweetener)

1½ tablespoons brown sugar

🌰 Fruits secs et graines (Nuts)

½ cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped

Equipment

You won’t need any fancy tools for this — just simple kitchen essentials:
Cutting board and sharp knife
Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or spoon for mixing the dressing
Citrus juicer (optional, for fresh lemon juice)
Tip: Chill your ingredients for 15 minutes before mixing for the freshest, crispest salad texture.

Method

This salad comes together in just minutes, and every step adds a layer of texture and flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Wash and dry all produce.
Core and chop the apples into bite-sized cubes.
Slice the celery thinly and halve the grapes.
Roughly chop the pecans.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chopped apples to keep them from browning and add a fresh citrus note.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1½ tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional extra for tang)
Whisk until smooth and creamy. The brown sugar dissolves into the mayo, creating a dressing that’s slightly sweet and luxuriously silky.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add:
Apples
Celery
Grapes
Dried cranberries
Pecans
Drizzle the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until the fruit and nuts are evenly coated.
The combination of crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing creates that perfect sweet-savory balance you’ll love.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

Refrigerate the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
When ready, transfer to a serving bowl, garnish with a few extra pecans and cranberries, and enjoy chilled.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Stir before serving, as the dressing may settle slightly.

Reheating:

Not needed! This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prep all ingredients except apples a day ahead. Add apples and dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.

🥄 Variations

Here are some creative ways to customize your Apple Salad:

🍯 Greek Yogurt Version: Replace half (or all) of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier taste.

🧀 Cheesy Touch: Add crumbled feta or blue cheese for extra creaminess and tang.

🌰 Nut Swap: Use walnuts, almonds, or candied pecans for a different crunch.

🍇 Extra Sweet: Mix in diced pears or mandarin oranges for added fruitiness.

🌿 Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of fresh mint or parsley for a refreshing finish.

🥬 Green Salad Base: Serve over a bed of arugula or spinach for a heartier meal.

🍏 Classic Waldorf Style: Add ¼ cup raisins and ¼ cup diced pineapple for that traditional touch.

🧄 Savory Contrast: Add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of olive oil to balance the sweetness.

Each variation keeps the crisp and creamy foundation while allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or the season.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala apples work perfectly. Mix red and green for a color pop.

2. Can I make it vegan?
Absolutely — use vegan mayo or coconut yogurt instead.

3. Can I skip the brown sugar?
Yes, but it balances the tartness of the lemon and cranberries beautifully.

4. Should I toast the pecans?
Yes! Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds delicious crunch.

5. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are best here — fresh ones are too tart and watery.

6. How do I prevent apples from turning brown?
Toss them in lemon juice right after cutting — it keeps them crisp and bright.

7. Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
You can, but it’ll add a slightly sweeter and tangier flavor.

8. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well for 2–3 days if stored properly.

9. Can I make it more filling?
Add cooked chicken or quinoa for protein.

10. What’s the best occasion to serve this?
It’s perfect for holidays, brunches, or picnics — it complements rich main dishes beautifully!

🏁 Conclusion

This Crisp Apple Salad with Pecans, Grapes & Cranberries is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s crunchy, creamy, and full of vibrant colors — a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.

The combination of Honeycrisp apples, juicy grapes, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans makes every bite exciting and satisfying. The light, sweet dressing ties it all together, creating the perfect side for any season.

Whether you’re serving it with roasted chicken, at a Thanksgiving feast, or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad will always bring a touch of freshness, comfort, and elegance to your table. 🍎🥗💛

So grab those apples, slice, toss, and enjoy this deliciously crisp and creamy classic that’s sure to become a family favorite!