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Fresh Apple Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing and Crunchy Pecans

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This refreshing apple salad combines crisp apples, creamy Greek yogurt dressing, and crunchy toasted pecans for a satisfying side dish. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for potlucks, brunch, or healthy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), cored and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved (optional)
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries or cherries
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or blue cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and core apples, then chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss with lemon juice in a medium bowl to prevent browning.
  2. Thinly slice celery and halve grapes (if using). Add to the bowl with apples.
  3. Stir in dried cranberries or cherries.
  4. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool, then chop roughly.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and pourable.
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat.
  7. Fold in toasted pecans and, if desired, crumbled feta or blue cheese and chopped parsley or mint.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.
  9. Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and garnish with extra pecans and herbs.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples for best texture. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor—watch closely to avoid burning. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt and avocado mayo. For nut-free, use roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Salad is best served chilled and eaten within 2 days; add pecans just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, creamy dressing, pecans, healthy salad, fall recipe, potluck, brunch, gluten-free, easy salad, fruit salad

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/fresh-apple-salad-recipe-with-creamy-dressing-and-crunchy-pecans/