If you’re looking for a refreshingly crisp and delightfully sweet dish, this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans is going to become your new go-to. The combination of crunchy Honeycrisp apples, fresh celery, juicy grapes, and toasted pecans tossed in a light honey-yogurt dressing creates a harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s a salad that’s both simple to prepare and impressive enough to serve at any gathering or enjoy as a nourishing snack or side dish at home.

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans plays an essential role, bringing balance, crunch, sweetness, and creaminess to the dish. These simple, fresh ingredients make the salad easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Honeycrisp apples: Use 2 cups of diced apples for a crisp, sweet, and juicy base that’s the star of the salad.

Celery: 1 cup chopped celery adds a refreshing crunch and subtle bitterness that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the fruit.
Grapes: 1 cup halved grapes (red or green) bring juicy pops of sweetness and vibrant color.

Pecans: 1 cup roughly chopped pecans contribute earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch; walnuts or almonds work well too.
Plain yogurt: 1/4 cup provides a creamy, tangy dressing base; Greek yogurt makes it richer if preferred.

Honey: 2 tablespoons for natural sweetness that melds all the ingredients together beautifully.
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon adds brightness and helps prevent the apples from browning.
Salt and pepper: To taste, optional but recommended for balancing flavors.

How to Make Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans

Step 1: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Start by giving your Honeycrisp apples and grapes a thorough wash—freshness is key here. Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, chop the celery finely, and halve the grapes. Roughly chop the pecans, so they provide texture without overshadowing the delicate fruits.

Step 2: Whip Up the Honey-Yogurt Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if you like. This dressing is light yet luscious, binding the salad components with subtle sweetness and tang.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Place the diced apples, chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped pecans into a large mixing bowl. Pour your dressing over the top, then gently toss everything together using a spoon to make sure each ingredient is evenly coated without bruising the fruit.

Step 4: Taste and Chill

Give the salad a taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. You can serve the Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans immediately for maximum crunch or chill it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to let the flavors marry and the salad cool down, which makes it even more refreshing.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans

Garnishes

Top the salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. A light dusting of cinnamon can add a cozy touch if you’re serving it during cooler months.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even as a vibrant side to a picnic spread. Its bright flavors complement rich or smoky dishes and add a fresh balance to heavier meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans in individual glass cups for a charming appetizer or pile it high in a hollowed-out apple bowl for a fun, eye-catching presentation. Wrapping it in crisp lettuce leaves for individual bites is also a delightful option for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and crisp for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner to maintain the apples’ crunch.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because the yogurt dressing and fresh fruit will lose their texture and fresh flavor once thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans is served cold or at room temperature, reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warmer dish, try it as a topping for warm oatmeal or toast instead.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their sweet-tart crunch, you can substitute with Fuji or Gala apples, but keep in mind the flavor profile will vary slightly.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap the plain yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, but to be extra sure, you can toss the diced apples in lemon juice before mixing with other ingredients.

Can I replace pecans with other nuts?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work beautifully and offer different textures and flavors, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

While it can be made ahead, the salad is best when freshly tossed. If prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans. It’s a beautiful medley of crunch, sweetness, and creaminess that’s as delightful to eat as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, bringing it to a party, or enjoying a fresh snack, it’s bound to become a favorite that you reach for over and over again. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples, Celery, Grapes, Pecans Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and crunchy Apple Salad featuring sweet Honeycrisp apples, crisp celery, juicy grapes, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a creamy honey-yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light snack or a delicious side dish, this salad balances sweet, tart, and nutty flavors with a creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Nuts

2 cups Honeycrisp apples, diced (about 2 medium apples)

1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
1 cup pecans, roughly chopped (can substitute with walnuts or almonds)

Dressing

1/4 cup plain yogurt (can use Greek yogurt)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt, to taste (optional)
Pepper, to taste (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the fruits and nuts: Begin by washing the Honeycrisp apples and grapes thoroughly. Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, chop the celery finely, halve the grapes, and roughly chop the pecans for texture.

Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Stir the mixture well until smooth and evenly mixed.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced apples, chopped celery, halved grapes, and chopped pecans together.
Toss the salad: Pour the prepared yogurt dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Gently fold the salad with a spoon ensuring all components are evenly coated with the dressing.

Final seasoning and serving: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as preferred. Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes for a cooler, more refreshing experience.

Notes

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds depending on your preference or allergy considerations.
Using Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt will add more creaminess and protein.

For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use a plant-based yogurt.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing texture.
Optional seasoning allows you to tailor the salad to your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad

Method: No Cook, Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup

Calories: 180
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 40mg

Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: Apple salad, Honeycrisp apples, celery, grapes, pecans, honey yogurt dressing, healthy salad, fruit salad