This sweet apple salad combines crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and a honey-yogurt dressing for the perfect fall refresher.
Quick Answer: Make this sweet apple salad by combining diced apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins. Toss with a creamy honey-yogurt dressing and chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve cold as a light lunch or side dish.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling)
Category: Salad
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures
- No cooking required – just chop and mix
- Great for meal prep and picnics
- Packed with healthy fruits and nuts
- Kid-friendly and customizable
Quick Benefits
This sweet apple salad delivers a nutritious combination of fresh fruits, protein-rich nuts, and probiotic yogurt. It’s perfect for quick lunches, potlucks, or as a healthy snack that satisfies sweet cravings naturally.
Ingredients
- 3-4 apples, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup Craisins
- 170 g vanilla yogurt
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly and chop them into bite-sized chunks.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped apples, toasted almonds, Craisins, and vanilla yogurt until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate until chilled, according to preference.
You Must Know
- Choose firm, crisp apples for best texture
- Cut apple pieces uniformly for even distribution
- Don’t skip the lemon juice – it prevents browning and adds brightness
- Toast walnuts briefly to enhance flavor
- Check for nut allergies before serving to groups
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey sandwiches
- Pack in lunch boxes with whole grain crackers
- Offer as a healthy potluck side dish
- Pair with a warm cup of cinnamon tea
Creative Variations
- Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for different crunch
- Use dried cranberries instead of raisins for tartness
- Add diced pears for extra fruit variety
- Include shredded carrots for color and nutrition
Cultural Notes
Apple salads have been a staple of American picnics and potlucks since the early 1900s. This healthier version updates the classic Waldorf salad by using yogurt instead of mayonnaise and adding honey for natural sweetness.
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for complex flavor
- Pat celery dry thoroughly to prevent watery dressing
- Allow ingredients to reach room temperature for best flavor
- Adjust honey to taste based on apple sweetness
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does sweet apple salad last in the refrigerator?
A: It stays fresh for up to 2 days when properly stored.
Q: Can I use dairy-free yogurt?
A: Yes, coconut or almond yogurt work well as substitutes.
Q: What are the best apple varieties to use?
A: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work best for their crisp texture and sweet flavor.
Q: Can I make this without nuts?
A: Yes, substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Q: Will the apples turn brown?
A: The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning.
Health Benefits
This sweet apple salad provides fiber from fresh apples, protein from Greek yogurt and nuts, and antioxidants from fruit and cinnamon. It’s a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional desserts while still satisfying sweet cravings.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 245 • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 6g • Fat: 12g • Sodium: 45mg
Notes
For best results, serve this salad well-chilled and consume within 2 days of preparation.
Sweet Apple Salad
This sweet apple salad combines crisp fruit, crunchy nuts, and a honey-yogurt dressing for the perfect fall refresher.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, serve this salad well-chilled and consume within 2 days of preparation.