Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans and Dried Cranberries Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 honeycrisp apples, cored and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red or green seedless grapes (or a combination of both), halved
- ½ cup pecans, toasted, for extra flavor
- ½ cup dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp. honey, or to taste
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, for brightness
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
To prepare the salad:
- Core and dice the honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces.
- To prevent browning, using a small bowl, toss them with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Thinly slice the celery and halve the grapes.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet, over medium heat, for 3 – 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Remove from the heat and allow the pecans to cool before adding to the salad.
To prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, salt and pepper.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess, as needed.
To assemble the salad and serve:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, sliced celery, halved grapes, toasted pecans and dried cranberries.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for the freshest crunch, or chill in the refrigerator for 15 – 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole pecans for a decorative touch.
Notes
While the classic version is divine, here are some creative ways to switch things up:
Add cheese: Crumble feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a creamy, savory twist.
Swap nuts: Use walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Add greens: Toss the salad with mixed greens like arugula or spinach for a heartier dish.
Make it vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise or a plant-based yogurt alternative for the dressing.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick.