Fresh Apple Salad Recipe (Perfect Anytime Side Dish!)

This Apple Salad recipe is crunchy, sweet, and just the right amount of creamy—basically everything I want in a refreshing side dish.

I love making this recipe for family barbecues, Thanksgiving dinners, and even quick weekday meals when I want something light but still filling.

The star of this recipe is Honeycrisp apples. They bring a natural sweetness and crunch that pairs so well with grapes, celery, nuts, and even marshmallows.

Toss everything in a tangy-sweet dressing and you’ve got yourself a dish that disappears fast every single time.

What Is An Apple Salad?

An apple salad is a refreshing mix of crisp apples, fruits, nuts, and sometimes veggies tossed in a sweet or tangy dressing. It can be creamy or light depending on how you dress it.

Why Make Apple Salad?

Because it’s quick, easy, and uses ingredients you probably already have at home. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion—holiday gatherings, summer picnics, or a simple side with dinner.

What Makes A Good Apple Salad?

The secret is balance. You want sweetness from apples and grapes, crunch from celery and nuts, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together without overpowering the fruit.

How Long Does It Take To Make Apple Salad?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. No cooking, no fuss—just chop, toss, and chill.

How to Make Apple Salad Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Apple salad recipe with grapes, nuts, and marshmallows makes the best creamy side dish for holidays, picnics, or everyday dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Yield: 1 large bowl
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: ~260

Equipment You’ll Need

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 4 large Honeycrisp apples, cubed
• 1 lemon, juiced
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup miniature marshmallows

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: Honeycrisp apples are my favorite for this recipe, but Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith work great too.
• Mayonnaise: Use real mayo for a creamy base. If you like it lighter, swap half with Greek yogurt.
• Nuts: Pecans add sweetness, while walnuts bring an earthy flavor. Toast them for extra crunch.
• Cranberries & Grapes: Add color, tartness, and sweetness. You can skip one if you prefer.
• Marshmallows: Optional, but they make it fun for kids and add a soft bite.

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples.

Wash, core, and cube the apples. Toss them with fresh lemon juice in a large bowl to keep them from browning.

2. Make the dressing.

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and brown sugar until smooth.

3. Mix the salad.

Add celery, grapes, nuts, cranberries, and marshmallows to the apples. Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together.

4. Chill before serving.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

💡 Tip: If you’re making it for a big event, chop the apples last so they stay extra crisp.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 260
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 24g

Variations

• Creamy Apple Waldorf Salad: Add diced chicken and swap mayo with Greek yogurt.
• Green Apple Salad: Use Granny Smith apples for extra tartness.
• Apple Cucumber Salad: Mix in thin cucumber slices for a refreshing twist.
• Apple Salad with Yogurt Dressing: Replace mayo with vanilla yogurt for a lighter version.

Storage Tip

Store apple salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If making ahead, add the nuts just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, turkey, or ham.
• Add on top of leafy greens for a light lunch.
• Pair with grilled meats at a summer barbecue.

Recipe Tips

✅Use fresh, crisp apples for the best crunch.

✅Always toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.

✅Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor.

Health Benefits

✔️Apples are rich in vitamin C and fiber, great for digestion and immune support.

✔️Nuts add healthy fats and protein.

✔️Grapes provide antioxidants for overall health.

Recipe Notes

• This salad works for holidays, picnics, or quick dinners.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
• Works with both red and green apples.

FAQs

Conclusion

This apple salad is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s fresh, quick to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about any variations you made or how your family enjoyed it!