Easy Recipe for Apple Salad

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I still remember ordering an apple salad (called a Wardorf salad)at what I thought was a fancy restaurant in my university town. That memory inspired this creamy Honeycrisp apple salad made with crisp apples, grapes, walnuts, celery, and dried cranberries tossed in a simple brown sugar dressing. I've made this countless times for both holidays and everyday meals.

Apple and grape salad in bowl with visible halved grapes, cranberries, and walnuts in creamy dressing

You might also enjoy these other fruit based salads like this Mandarin Orange Salad or this quick and easy Watermelon Feta Salad. I have all my salad recipes listed in my Easy Salad Recipes section!

Why I Love This Recipe

Sweet, creamy, and full of texture. Every bite has crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, chewy dried cranberries, and a creamy brown sugar dressing. It's the combination of textures that keeps me coming back to this recipe.

Inspired by a favorite restaurant salad. I created this Honeycrisp apple salad after thinking about the Waldorf salads I used to order in my university town. It has the same fresh, creamy flavors I remember, but it's made with simple grocery store ingredients.

Honeycrisp apples stay crisp and juicy. I've tested this salad with several apple varieties, and Honeycrisp apples are still my favorite because they add the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Pink Lady, Cosmic Crisp, and Fuji apples are great substitutes if that's what you have on hand.

Easy enough for everyday, pretty enough for holidays. This apple salad recipe comes together in just minutes, making it just as suitable for a weeknight dinner as it is for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a summer barbecue.

A great make-ahead side dish. I like preparing the ingredients ahead of time and mixing everything together shortly before serving. The flavors blend beautifully while the apples and celery stay fresh and crunchy.

Ingredients and Substitutions for Apple Salad

Ingredients to make apple and grape salad including 4 apples, halved grapes, cranberries, and walnuts, celery and mayo with sugar for the creamy dressing.

Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for this salad. Others I like include Pink Lady, Gala and Cosmic Crisp. Do not use baking apples, you want apples that maintain thier crunch.
Red seedless grapes - for color and flavor. Green grapes can be used but aren't as pretty.
Mayonnaise - regular and light can both be used.
Fresh celery for the crunch.
Walnuts - roughly chopped.
Brown sugar - for the extra sweetness
Dried Cranberries - for the color, texture and flavor.

How to Make Apple Salad

Step 1
Wash and dry your apples. Core and dice them into bite-sized chunks. Leave the skin on for extra color and crunch. Wash and dry grapes and cut them in half.

Step 2
Thinly slice the celery and roughly chop the walnuts if they aren’t already chopped.

Ingredients to make apple and grape salad in a bowl. includes 4 apples, halved grapes, cranberries, and walnuts, celery and mayo with sugar for the creamy dressing.

Step 3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar.

creamy mayo dressing with a touch of sugar for apple and grape salad.

Step 4
Add the apples, celery, walnuts, and cranberries to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is coated in the dressing.

Step 5
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

Tips and Variations for this Recipe for Apple Grape Salad

Apples: Honeycrisp is ideal for its sweetness and crunch, but Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples also work well. Use a tart Granny Smith if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Grapes: Red seedless grapes add a juicy pop of flavor and sweetness. Cut them in half for the best texture. Green grapes can be used for a tart variation.
Dressing Variations: Swap out the mayonnaise for vanilla Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also try half mayo and half yogurt for a balance of creamy and tangy.
Nuts: Walnuts add a classic touch, but pecans are another great option.
Fruit Add-ins: Diced red grapes or raisins can be added or swapped for the cranberries.
Optional Add-Ins: A tablespoon of lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning if you’re prepping ahead.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Honeycrisp Apples

This salad is perfect as a side dish for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or sandwiches. It’s also a refreshing addition to a holiday table, picnic spread, or potluck.

Storing this Apple and Grape Salad

Store apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly. Freezing is not an option!

FAQs

What apples are best for apple salad?

I use Honeycrisp apples because they’re sweet, crisp, and hold their shape well, especially in this apple salad. Other great options include Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady. For a tangier twist, you can try Granny Smith apples. Do not use baking apples because they lose thier crisp.

Should I peel the apples?

It’s up to you! I leave the peel on for color, texture, and extra nutrients. If you prefer a softer bite or want a more uniform look, feel free to peel them.

Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise in this salad?

Absolutely. You can replace all or part of the mayonnaise with plain or vanilla Greek yogurt. It adds a little tang and makes the dressing lighter in this apple grape salad recipe.

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5 from 1 vote

Easy Apple Salad Walnuts

This Honeycrisp apple salad is loaded with crisp apples, grapes, walnuts, celery, and dried cranberries tossed in a creamy brown sugar dressing. It was inspired by the Waldorf salad I always ordered at a restaurant in my university town, and now I can enjoy those same flavors anytime at home.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: Servings

Calories: 375Kcal

Author: Susan Moncrieff

Ingredients

4 Medium Honeycrisp apples
1 cup Red grapes cut in ½
½ cup Celery basically, 1 rib thinly sliced
½ cup Walnuts chopped into large pieces (quartered)
½ cup Dried cranberries I use the regular sweetened ones

For the Dressing

¾ cup Mayonnaise regular or light both work
1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar

Instructions

Wash and dry your apples. Core and dice them into bite-sized chunks. Leave the skin on for extra color and crunch. Wash and dry grapes and cut them in half.
Thinly slice the celery and roughly chop the walnuts if they aren’t already chopped.
For the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and brown sugar.
Add the apples, celery, walnuts, and cranberries to the bowl. Stir gently until everything is coated in the dressing.
Optional - Refrigerate 1 hour prior to serving. This allows the flavors to blend.

Notes

Ingredient Tips and Variations

Apples: Honeycrisp is ideal for its sweetness and crunch, but Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples also work well. Use a tart Granny Smith if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Grapes: Red seedless grapes add a juicy pop of flavor and sweetness. Cut them in half for the best texture. Green grapes can be used for a tart variation.
Dressing Variations: Swap out the mayonnaise for vanilla Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also try half mayo and half yogurt for a balance of creamy and tangy.
Nuts: Walnuts add a classic touch, but pecans are another great option.
Fruit Add-ins: Diced red grapes or raisins can be added or swapped for the cranberries.
Optional Add-Ins: A tablespoon of lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning if you’re prepping ahead

Storing Leftovers
Store apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving, as the dressing may separate slightly. Freezing is not an option!