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Honeycrisp Apple Cranberry Salad

Section: Fresh & Zingy Salad Creations

This dish marries crisp Honeycrisp apples and seedless grapes with celery, pecans, and cranberries for a vibrant blend of texture and flavor. Tossed with a creamy, sweet-tart dressing, every bite surprises with a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with proteins like chicken or cheese, it’s easily customizable and ideal for gatherings or quick meals. Chill briefly to enhance taste and maintain perfect texture.

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Ranah
Written By Emily Chen
Updated on Sat, 25 Oct 2025 05:30:07 GMT
A bowl of fruit salad with apples, cranberries, and pecans. Save
A bowl of fruit salad with apples, cranberries, and pecans. | tangyrecipe.com

Apple salad is the go-to solution when I want something quick fresh and vibrant on my table but still crave plenty of flavor and crunch. Its crisp apple chunks coated with a creamy dressing instantly brighten up a meal whether served as a light lunch or a refreshing side in a bigger spread. This combination of sweet-tart fruit and nuts offers a simple way to eat more fruits while keeping everyone coming back for seconds.

Apple salad first won a regular spot at my family dinners during apple harvest when we came home with baskets of fresh-picked Honeycrisps. Now I love mixing it up for any season and adjusting the flavors to fit what we are craving that day.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Honeycrisp apples: Provide a big crunch plus a sweet flavor go for ones that feel firm with unblemished skin
  • Lemon juice: Keeps those apples bright and prevents unappetizing browning freshly squeezed tastes best
  • Mayonnaise: Gives the dressing its creamy texture without being overly heavy choose good quality with a simple ingredient list
  • Brown sugar: Adds a mellow caramel-like sweetness check it is soft and clump free
  • Celery: Offers a gentle crunch and fresh taste crisp green ribs are best
  • Red seedless grapes: Bring juicy sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples pick ones that are plump and firm
  • Pecans: Add richness and nutty flavor toast them lightly for even deeper aroma
  • Dried cranberries: Introduce tartness plus chewiness choose unsweetened for less sugar if preferred

How to Make It

Prepare the Apples:
Cube your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces immediately tossing them with lemon juice in a large bowl this step is crucial for keeping their color and fresh taste
Mix the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar keep whisking until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing looks silky and glossy
Combine Ingredients:
Add the sliced celery halved grapes chopped pecans and dried cranberries into the large bowl with the apples pour the dressing over all the ingredients
Stir and Chill:
Use a large spoon to gently fold everything together making sure the apples and mix-ins get evenly coated with dressing cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes letting all the flavors meld
A bowl of fruit with apples, oranges, and walnuts.
A bowl of fruit with apples, oranges, and walnuts. | tangyrecipe.com

I cannot get enough of Honeycrisp apples in this recipe since their fresh tart snap really stands out against the creamy sweet dressing. One fall I made this for my niece’s birthday picnic using just-picked apples and everyone kept asking for the recipe before the end of the day.

Flavor Boosters

Keep your apple salad covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days though the texture will be best on the first day. Store dressing and chopped apples separately if you want to pack ahead and prevent sogginess. If making for a gathering mix everything just before serving for peak crunch and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve apple salad on a bed of baby spinach or arugula for a heartier lunch. Pair with roasted chicken or turkey for a satisfying dinner combo. Spoon small portions into lettuce cups for pretty party finger food.

Creative Twists

If Honeycrisp apples are not available try Fuji or a mix of Granny Smith for extra tang. Swap pecans with walnuts almonds or sunflower seeds as a nut free alternative. For a dairy free salad use vegan mayo which works well in this creamy dressing.

A large pile of mixed fruit and vegetables.
A large pile of mixed fruit and vegetables. | tangyrecipe.com

This apple salad is a refreshing way to enjoy seasonal produce at any meal. The creamy dressing and crisp fruit make every bite irresistible.

Recipe FAQs

→ What apples work best for this salad?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples provide crispness and balance of sweet and tart flavors for a satisfying bite.

→ How can I prevent apples from browning?

Toss cubed apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them fresh and visually appealing.

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients beforehand, but combine everything and add dressing just before serving for best texture.

→ What proteins pair well with this salad?

Grilled chicken, turkey, or cubed cheese are excellent additions for a heartier meal option.

→ Are there other mix-in options?

Pears, fresh berries, sunflower seeds, or blue cheese can add variety and extra flavor.

Honeycrisp Apple Cranberry Salad

Crisp apples, grapes, celery, and pecans with a sweet-tart dressing create a vibrant, refreshing side.

Preparation Time
15 mins
Cook Time
~
Overall Time
15 mins
Written By: Emily Chen

Type of Dish: Salads

Difficulty Level: Great for Beginners

Style of Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 Portion Size (1 large bowl apple salad)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Alternative

Ingredients You’ll Need

→ Main Components

Quantity of Ingredients: 01 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
Quantity of Ingredients: 02 1 lemon, juiced
Quantity of Ingredients: 03 1/3 cup mayonnaise
Quantity of Ingredients: 04 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
Quantity of Ingredients: 05 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
Quantity of Ingredients: 06 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
Quantity of Ingredients: 07 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Quantity of Ingredients: 08 1/2 cup dried cranberries

How to Make It

Step 01

Toss the cubed apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain crispness.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.

Step 03

Add the apples, celery, seedless red grapes, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently until all components are evenly coated.

Step 04

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Serve chilled.

Extra Tips

  1. Choose a mix of tart and sweet apple varieties for balanced flavor. Lemon juice preserves color and freshness. To maintain texture, combine crunchy elements such as celery and pecans with softer fruits. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess, and refrigerate in advance to enhance taste.

What You’ll Need to Cook

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Airtight container or plastic wrap

Allergen Info

Double-check all ingredients for allergens and consult a health professional if needed.
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise), nuts (pecans).

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

These facts are for general informational purposes and shouldn't replace advice from a dietitian or medical expert.
  • Calories: 260
  • Fats: 12 grams
  • Carbs: 38 grams
  • Protein: 2 grams