Apple Salad Recipe

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There’s something irresistibly fresh and satisfying about a crisp apple salad. Whether you’re looking to lighten up your lunch or add a refreshing side to a hearty meal, this salad fits right in. The natural sweetness of apples blends beautifully with crunchy celery, creamy dressing, and a pop of nuttiness to round it all out.

Apple salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a quick snack, a starter, or even a light dinner option topped with grilled chicken or tofu. It comes together in minutes and delivers that crave-worthy balance of sweet, savory, and creamy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Salad Recipe

This apple salad isn’t just another bowl of greens. It’s crunchy, creamy, and bursting with color and flavor. The tangy dressing adds a zesty lift, while walnuts bring in that toasty bite. It feels indulgent but is surprisingly wholesome.

Plus, it works all year round. In fall, it celebrates apple season. In summer, it’s the cool, crisp dish that everyone wants a bite of. You can easily adapt it to what you have in the fridge, which makes it a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

The beauty of this salad is how it balances sweet and tart. To get that perfect contrast, use a mix of apple varieties. Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith bring zing, while sweet, juicy options like Fuji or Honeycrisp add brightness. You can even add some red-skinned varieties for that pop of color. Just be sure to slice them thin so they mingle well with the other textures.

Ingredients for the Apple Salad Recipe

The beauty of an apple salad lies in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apples
• Celery
• Walnuts
• Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• Honey or maple syrup
• Lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper

Apples bring the crisp bite and natural sweetness. You can use a mix of tart and sweet varieties to add depth. Celery adds crunch and a refreshing taste that balances the creaminess of the dressing. Walnuts introduce a warm, toasty flavor and extra texture. For the dressing, Greek yogurt keeps it light and tangy, or you can use mayonnaise for a richer version. Honey or maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness that ties everything together. A splash of lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and enhances the overall flavor. Finally, a pinch of salt and black pepper rounds out the dish.

How To Make the Apple Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Wash, core, and thinly slice your apples. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds color and fiber.

Step 2: Toss with Lemon Juice

Place the sliced apples in a large mixing bowl and toss them with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and to enhance the tart flavor.

Step 3: Chop and Combine the Rest

Dice the celery and roughly chop the walnuts. Add them to the bowl with the apples.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Mix and Chill

Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

How to Serve and Store Apple Salad

This apple salad is best served cold, fresh from the fridge. It makes a vibrant side dish for any dinner party, potluck, or even a casual lunch at home. You can also turn it into a light meal by topping it with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas. This recipe feeds about 4 people as a side or 2 as a main dish.

To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 2 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the apple’s crispness.

What to Serve With Apple Salad?

Grilled Chicken Breasts

The smoky, juicy flavors of grilled chicken pair beautifully with the sweet crunch of apple salad.

Butternut Squash Soup

A warm, velvety bowl of squash soup makes a comforting contrast to the chilled, crisp salad.

Turkey or Ham Sandwiches

This salad complements deli-style sandwiches, adding a refreshing twist to lunch or dinner.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

The natural caramelization of roasted sweet potatoes works wonderfully with the tart-sweet bite of apples.

Quiche or Frittata

Egg-based dishes like quiche or frittata are elevated with a crisp apple salad on the side.

Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni

For something heartier, this pasta dish makes a rich main that benefits from a fresh, fruity counterbalance.

Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Doubling up on salads might sound unusual, but creamy pasta salad and apple salad make a delightful picnic pair.

Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Fresh, tangy pasta dishes are a natural fit alongside the fruity creaminess of this apple salad.

Want More Salad Ideas?

If this apple salad recipe made your tastebuds happy, you’ll want to try more fresh and flavorful creations. Here are a few other Luna Meals favorites you can dive into next:

• Light Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Chicken is zesty, light, and packed with herby flavor.
• Deviled Egg Pasta Salad brings that creamy, tangy richness in every bite.
• Easter Fruit Fluff Salad Recipe is a sweet, fruity twist that feels more like dessert.
• Marinated Cucumbers, Onions, and Tomatoes offers a vinegary crunch that’s perfect for hot days.
• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) if you’re looking for something warm and comforting to follow your chilled apple salad.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can find it whenever that apple craving hits.

And if you tried it, let us know how it went! Did you go with yogurt or mayo? Add raisins or keep it classic?

I love seeing how these recipes evolve in your kitchens. Feel free to leave a comment with your version, questions, or tips.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next craveable creation.

Conclusion

Apple salad is the kind of dish that quietly steals the show. With simple ingredients, minimal prep, and layers of bright, creamy, and nutty flavor, it’s a keeper for every season. Whether you’re meal-prepping or entertaining, this fresh take on salad never disappoints.

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