Traditional Apple Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to the world of fresh and crunchy goodness with this Traditional Apple Salad! Perfect for any season, it marries the crispness of apples with the earthy notes of walnuts, creating a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Ingredients for Traditional Apple Salad

Granny Smith apples bring their signature tartness, which is a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness of the raisins. They also hold their shape well, maintaining a pleasant crunch.

Celery adds a refreshing crispness and a subtle peppery flavor, complementing the apples beautifully.

Walnuts introduce a rich, nutty element that gives the salad a delightful texture and depth.

Raisins offer a touch of natural sweetness that makes every bite intriguing and balanced.

Mayonnaise provides creaminess, while Greek yogurt introduces tang and a bit of healthfulness to the dressing.

Lemon juice not only prevents the apples from browning but also adds a bright, zesty finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the apples before starting to keep the salad extra refreshing.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly for an added depth of flavor.
  • Adjust the sweetness by using more or fewer raisins, depending on your preference.

Serving Suggestions

This apple salad makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or pork. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it over a bed of leafy greens like arugula or spinach. It's also a great addition to a picnic spread or a potluck table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, feel free to mix in a few sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a unique flavor profile.
How long will this salad keep?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Traditional Apple Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Core and dice those lovely Granny Smith apples into bite-sized chunks. Toss them into a large mixing bowl. Next, slice the celery thinly. Aim for pieces that will mix well with the apples. Add them to the bowl, too.

Now, take the walnuts and give them a rough chop. They don't need to be perfect — just enough to mix well with the other ingredients. Toss the walnuts and raisins into the bowl with the apples and celery.

In a separate small bowl, it's time to make the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Once well combined, pour this creamy mixture over the apple concoction.

Use a big spoon to gently toss everything together until the salad is thoroughly coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 30 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 15 minutes!
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors.
  • Great way to incorporate fruits and nuts into your diet.

Ingredients

3 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
1 cup celery, sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/3 cup raisins
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced apples, sliced celery, chopped walnuts, and raisins.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss until thoroughly coated.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

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