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Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans and Dried Cranberries Salad

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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.