Apple Salad

This apple salad is fresh, crunchy and full of texture. It is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish or potluck. The balance of sweet apples, crisp celery and toasted nuts creates a refreshing and satisfying bite. Toss it all together in 15 minutes with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It is simple, light and packed with flavor; this is a salad you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for Apple Salad

• Apples: Choose tart Granny Smith or Sweet Gala to balance flavors and texture. Cube the apples.
• Lemon juice: The acid in lemon juice prevents the apples from browning, adding a bright and zesty flavor.
• Chopped celery: Celery adds a crisp and refreshing bite that contrasts with the sweetness of the apples.
• Miniature marshmallows: These candies are soft and sweet and bring a fun texture, though they can be skipped.
• Mayonnaise: Fat-free mayo lightly coats the ingredients, giving the salad a creamy consistency without being too heavy.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Nuts add a rich crunch that pairs well with the other ingredients. Toasting the nuts beforehand brings out even more flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the apples

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Toss the cubed apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. This keeps them from browning and adds brightness to the salad.

Step 2: Mix in the celery and marshmallows

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Stir in the chopped celery and marshmallows. The celery adds a refreshing crunch and the marshmallows bring a touch of sweetness.

Step 3: Add the mayonnaise

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Fold in the mayonnaise, making sure everything is well-coated. It should lightly dress the salad without overwhelming the other flavors.

Step 4: Add the nuts

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Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts just before serving. Toast the nuts before adding them for an extra depth of flavor.

Editor’s Tip: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a bit more crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for five to seven minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

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Apple Salad Recipe Variations

• Make it a meal: Add one cup of diced cooked chicken or cubed cheddar for a heartier dish.
• Add raisins: Mix in a handful of raisins for a touch of natural sweetness—especially good if you grow your own!
• Swap the marshmallows: Not a fan of marshmallows? You can easily leave them out or replace them with dried cranberries for a tart twist.

How to Store Apple Salad

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. The salad will stay fresh for up to two days. For optimal crunch, it is best eaten the same day.

Can you make apple salad ahead of time?

Yes. But to keep the nuts crunchy wait to add them until just before serving. You can prep the apples and celery a few hours before and store them in the fridge.

Apple Salad Recipe Tips

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What kind of apples should I use?

A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith, Gala or Honeycrisp works best to balance flavors.

How do I toast nuts?

Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350° for five to seven minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a lighter and tangier salad version.

What else can I add to the dressing?

You can mix in a little honey or Dijon mustard for added depth to the mayo-based dressing.