# **Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans, and Dried Cranberries**
### **Introduction**
This **Apple Salad** is a crisp, refreshing, and slightly sweet dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck favorite. Made with **Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries**, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The natural sweetness of the fruits pairs beautifully with the crunch of pecans and celery, while a light dressing ties everything together.
Best of all, this salad is **quick, easy, and healthy**, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. Keep reading to discover its history, benefits, and step-by-step instructions!
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## **Ingredients**
### **For the Salad:**
– 2 large **Honeycrisp apples** (cored and diced)
– 1 cup **celery** (thinly sliced)
– 1 cup **red or green seedless grapes** (halved)
– ½ cup **pecans** (toasted and roughly chopped)
– ½ cup **dried cranberries**
– 1 tbsp **lemon juice** (to prevent browning)
### **For the Dressing (Optional but Recommended):**
– ¼ cup **Greek yogurt** or **mayonnaise**
– 1 tbsp **honey** or **maple syrup**
– 1 tsp **Dijon mustard**
– 1 tsp **apple cider vinegar**
– A pinch of **salt** and **black pepper**
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## **Instructions**
### **Method 1: Classic Tossed Salad**
1. **Prep the Apples:** Core and dice the Honeycrisp apples, then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. **Chop Ingredients:** Thinly slice the celery, halve the grapes, and roughly chop the pecans.
3. **Combine:** In a large bowl, mix the apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and dried cranberries.
4. **Make the Dressing:** Whisk together yogurt (or mayo), honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. **Toss & Serve:** Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for best flavor.
### **Method 2: Layered Salad (Great for Parties!)**
1. **Layer Ingredients:** In a glass bowl or serving dish, arrange layers of apples, celery, grapes, pecans, and cranberries.
2. **Drizzle Dressing:** Just before serving, pour the dressing on top and lightly toss.
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## **History & Popularity**
Apple salads have been enjoyed for centuries, often appearing in European and American cuisine as a way to enjoy fresh produce with nuts and light dressings. The **Honeycrisp apple**, developed in the 1960s at the University of Minnesota, adds a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making this salad a modern favorite.
This recipe is beloved by **health enthusiasts, busy parents, and food lovers** because it’s:
✅ **Nutritious** – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
✅ **Quick** – Ready in under 15 minutes.
✅ **Versatile** – Great as a side or main dish.
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## **Health Benefits**
– **Apples & Grapes:** High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
– **Celery:** Low-calorie, hydrating, and rich in vitamins K and A.
– **Pecans:** Provide healthy fats, protein, and magnesium.
– **Dried Cranberries:** Add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
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## **Nutritional Info (Per Serving)**
– **Calories:** ~220 kcal
– **Carbs:** 32g
– **Fiber:** 5g
– **Protein:** 3g
– **Healthy Fats:** 10g
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## **Conclusion & For the Lovers of This Salad**
This **Apple Salad** is a **crunchy, sweet, and satisfying** dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a healthy work lunch, or just because you love fresh flavors, it’s a **must-try recipe**.
**Don’t lose this recipe!** Save it, share it, and let me know how much you enjoy it. **Want more delicious, easy recipes like this?** Stay tuned—I’ll keep sending your way! 😊🍏🥗
**Loved by:**
– Health-conscious eaters
– Busy meal preppers
– Salad enthusiasts
– Anyone who loves a sweet & crunchy bite!
**Try it today and taste the freshness!** 🌟