Indulge in the delightful combination of crisp apples, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing with this Creamy Apple Salad recipe. Perfect as a side dish or a light lunch, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a dish to impress at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Looking for a refreshing and nutritious salad that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat? Look no further than this Creamy Apple Salad! Packed with the crisp sweetness of apples, the crunch of celery and nuts, and the creaminess of the dressing, this salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Start by coring and chopping the crisp apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the chopped apples in a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Salad:
- To the bowl of chopped apples, add the chopped celery, chopped walnuts or pecans, and halved seedless grapes (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together until well combined.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) and honey (or maple syrup) until smooth and creamy.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Salad and Dressing:
- Pour the creamy dressing over the apple mixture in the large mixing bowl.
- Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- When ready to serve, divide the Creamy Apple Salad onto individual lettuce leaves, if desired, or simply serve it in a bowl as is.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Add Some Crunch: For extra crunch and flavor, consider adding some chopped crispy bacon or toasted almonds to the salad.
- Fruity Twist: Experiment with different types of fruit such as chopped pear, dried cranberries, or raisins for added sweetness and variety.
- Lighten Up: If you’re looking to reduce the calorie and fat content of the salad, you can use a lighter alternative to mayonnaise such as Greek yogurt or a combination of both.
Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Version:
- Substitute the honey or maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content of the salad.
- Enjoy the salad in moderation as part of a balanced keto meal plan, keeping track of your carb intake from other sources throughout the day.
Low-Carb Version:
- Follow the recipe as written, as it is already relatively low in carbs thanks to the natural sweetness of the apples and the use of low-carb ingredients such as celery and nuts.
- Serve the salad alongside a protein-rich main dish for a satisfying low-carb meal option.
With its crisp apples, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing, this Creamy Apple Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or a healthy snack, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So why wait? Give it a try and treat yourself to a delicious and nutritious salad that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat!
