Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Looking for a refreshing and flavorful dish to accompany your meals? Look no further than this delightful Apple Salad with Grapes recipe. Imagine the perfect blend of crunchy nuts, crisp apples, and juicy grapes all coming together in a light, sweet dressing. It’s a dish that adds a burst of freshness to any table setting.

Years ago, I stumbled upon this Apple Salad with Grapes recipe when I needed to make use of our abundant fall apple harvest. Since then, it has become a beloved staple at our family gatherings and potlucks. The combination of Honeycrisp apples, red grapes, and a hint of brown sugar creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a holiday feast, or a simple family get-together, this Apple Salad with Grapes is sure to impress your guests. The versatility of this salad allows for easy customization—try swapping ingredients like Greek yogurt for a lighter touch or adding in some protein with chopped chicken. With a medley of textures and flavors, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Quick Benefits

Fresh and Flavorful: Incorporates a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to create a crisp, sweet, and tangy flavor profile.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to personal preferences, allowing for ingredient substitutions like swapping mayo for Greek yogurt or adding protein for a heartier meal.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, maintaining its freshness and flavors, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Texture and Nutritional Balance: Offers a satisfying texture with the combination of crunchy nuts, juicy fruits, and creamy dressing, providing a well-rounded and nutritious dish.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Apple and Grape Salad Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of crunchy pecans, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and sweet cranberries creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every bite.
Easy to Prepare: This recipe is simple to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick lunch or a family gathering.
Versatile: Customize the salad to your liking by swapping ingredients such as the type of apple, adding protein like chicken or turkey, or incorporating different nuts for a personalized touch.
Make-ahead Friendly: Prepare the salad a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy days.
Adaptable for Dietary Preferences: Easily adjust the recipe to suit dietary needs, such as making it dairy-free with vegan mayo or incorporating Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Pairs Well with Various Dishes: Serve this apple salad alongside grilled meats, in lunch boxes, or as a side at brunch—its versatility makes it a great addition to any meal.
Refreshing and Crisp: The combination of chilled ingredients and a light dressing makes this salad a refreshing option, perfect for hot days or as a light meal.

Ingredients for Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Main Ingredients

1 lemon, squeezed for juice
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup mayonnaise
½ cup chopped pecans
1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
4 large Honeycrisp apples, cut into cubes
2 ribs celery, sliced up thin
1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half

Pro Tips for Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Pro Tip 1: For the best texture and flavor, opt for Honeycrisp apples as they stay crunchy and have a great taste. If unavailable, other firm and shiny varieties like Pink Lady or Jazz also work well. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious for a mealy texture.

Pro Tip 2: Make the salad your own by experimenting with ingredient swaps. Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangy twist, add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein, or switch pecans for walnuts or almonds. For a festive touch, sprinkle in some cinnamon and nutmeg with the dressing.

Pro Tip 3: Prepare this apple salad in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just give it a good toss before serving to refresh the flavors. To keep ingredients like nuts and apples fresh and crisp, mix them with a bit of lemon juice as soon as they are cut.

How to Make Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Step 1: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

Combine the apples, celery, grapes, cranberries, and pecans in a large bowl with the mayo and brown sugar mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare Apples

Drizzle lemon juice over chopped apples and toss to coat evenly.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the delicious Apple Salad with Grapes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is recommended to give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the flavors and dressing. This salad can be made a day in advance, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

For added crunch and flavor variations, consider tossing in sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or even some cheese bites before storing the salad. To keep any additional ingredients, like nuts or seeds, looking fresh and crisp, mix them with a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy while stored in the fridge. Enjoy this chilled apple salad as a refreshing side dish or light meal option that stays fresh and flavorful when stored properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

For those looking to switch up the nuts in this apple salad, consider substituting chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans. Both provide a similar crunch and flavor profile that would complement the apples and grapes nicely.

If you prefer a tangier dressing or want to lighten up the dish, you can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This swap will add a bit of tanginess and creaminess to the salad while cutting down on the overall richness.

Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties if you don’t have Honeycrisp on hand. Options like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith can provide varying levels of sweetness and tartness to the salad, giving it a different flavor profile while still maintaining a satisfying crunch. Just be sure to choose firm, fresh apples for the best texture and taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting this apple salad in hollowed-out apple bowls. Simply cut the top off a Honeycrisp apple, scoop out the flesh, and fill it with the chilled salad mixture. This not only adds a fun and whimsical touch to your presentation but also allows guests to enjoy the salad and apple together for a delightful flavor combination.

To elevate the flavors and textures of this apple salad, consider serving it as a side dish in a charcuterie board setting. Arrange the apple salad alongside a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and nuts. The sweet and crunchy elements of the salad will complement the savory and salty components of the charcuterie board, creating a perfect balance of flavors for a delicious and versatile spread.

FAQs for Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Can I use a different type of apple in this salad?

Sure, grab something crunchy—Fuji, Gala, or even a tart Granny Smith works and adds a punch.

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else for a lighter dressing?

Go ahead and try Greek yogurt or sour cream if you want something lighter instead of mayo.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can make it a day before you need it. Store it cold and give it a good toss before you eat.

Can I add extra ingredients like sunflower seeds or cheese to this salad?

Definitely—toss in sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or even some cheese bites if you like extra crunch or flavor.

Conclusion

As you embark on preparing this delightful Apple Salad with Grapes for your next gathering, remember to savor the simple joy of creating a dish that brings people together. The vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and crisp textures of this salad are sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more. Experiment with different apple varieties, nuts, and seasonings to make this recipe truly your own.

Whether you enjoy this Apple Salad with Grapes as a side dish at a barbecue, a light lunch on a sunny afternoon, or a refreshing option for brunch, its versatility will never cease to amaze you. Embrace the opportunity to tailor this recipe to your preferences, and don’t hesitate to share your unique creations with friends and family. With each crunchy bite, you’ll be reminded of the joy that good food and good company bring into our lives. Cheers to creating unforgettable moments around the table with this delicious Apple Salad with Grapes!

Delicious Apple and Grape Salad

Crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and creamy dressing combine in this chilled Apple Salad with Grapes—perfect for picnics, BBQs, or a light lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time15 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (1 large bowl)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lemon, squeezed for juice
½ cup dried cranberries
⅓ cup mayonnaise
½ cup chopped pecans
1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
4 large Honeycrisp apples, cut into cubes
2 ribs celery, sliced up thin
1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half

Instructions

Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Mix Ingredients: Combine the apples, celery, grapes, cranberries, and pecans in a large bowl with the mayo and brown sugar mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Prepare Apples: Drizzle lemon juice over chopped apples and toss to coat evenly.