Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans is a delightful recipe that combines the crispness of fresh apples with the sweetness of grapes and the warmth of toasted pecans. This salad is not only colorful and vibrant, but it also brings a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Perfect for a quick side dish or a refreshing meal, this salad will please both family and friends at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

This Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans is an easy and nutritious choice that offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Its crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and rich pecans create a delightful medley. Plus, the creamy yogurt dressing adds just the right touch of tanginess, making this salad an irresistible and healthy option.

How to Make Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

Ingredients:

3 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Apples: Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. It’s optional to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Combine Fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples and halved grapes.
Toast the Pecans: Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Add Pecans: Once cooled, add the toasted pecans to the bowl with the apples and grapes.
Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the yogurt dressing over the apple, grape, and pecan mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Add Veggies: Add the finely chopped celery and red onion to the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix again gently to incorporate.
Serve or Chill: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

This Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans serves as a versatile dish for various occasions. Enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. You can also serve it on its own as a light lunch or snack. The vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it visually appealing and delicious. Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a wholesome meal.

How to Store Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

To store leftover Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy the freshest flavors and crunch. If storing for longer, consider leaving out the pecans and adding them just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Tips to Make Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans Perfect

Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. This combination adds depth to the salad.
Toast the Pecans Slightly Longer: Toasting the pecans until they are golden-brown enhances their flavor significantly. Just be careful not to burn them.
Yogurt Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative. Each will provide a different flavor profile.
Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey in the dressing based on your sweetness preference. You can reduce it or even substitute it with maple syrup for a different taste.

Flavor Variations

Add Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and additional sweetness.
Incorporate Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.
Add Crunchy Seeds: Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can replace or accompany the pecans for more crunch and may be more suitable for nut-free diets.

Pro Tips for Success

Chill Ingredients: Keep your ingredients cold for a refreshing salad experience. You can chill the bowl and utensils beforehand.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your apples and grapes are fresh and firm for the best taste and texture.
Serve Immediately: Though you can prepare this salad in advance, it is best served soon after mixing to maintain the crispness and freshness of the ingredients.

FAQs About Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the apples crisp. If storing, add the pecans right before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

2. Are there any substitutions for the pecans?
Certainly! If you are allergic to nuts, you can replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.

3. How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this salad vegan, substitute plain Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey as a sweetener.

Final Thoughts

Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans is a simple, fresh dish that combines delicious flavors and textures, making it a standout option for any meal. Its versatility means you can customize it to suit your preferences while maintaining its tasty essence. Whether for a holiday gathering, potluck, or family dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the delightful crunch and sweetness that this salad brings!

Apple Salad with Grapes & Pecans

A delightful recipe that combines the crispness of fresh apples with the sweetness of grapes and the warmth of toasted pecans, perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 22

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

3 medium medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1 cup pecan halves, toasted Toast slightly longer for enhanced flavor.
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Can substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
2 tablespoons honey Adjust based on sweetness preference.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preparation

Core and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. It’s optional to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples and halved grapes.
Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
Once cooled, add the toasted pecans to the bowl with the apples and grapes.
In a separate small bowl, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until well combined.
Pour the yogurt dressing over the apple, grape, and pecan mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Add the finely chopped celery and red onion to the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix again gently to incorporate.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour to let the flavors meld.