Description
This Christmas Apple Salad is a refreshing and festive mix of sweet and tart apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy honey-yogurt dressing. Enhanced with mini marshmallows and dried cranberries, it delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal holiday side dish or light dessert. Chilled for an hour to meld the flavors, this salad offers a delightful taste of the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Nuts
- 4 medium apples, diced (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup grapes, halved (red or green)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (can substitute with pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Dressing
- 1 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly, then core and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice immediately to prevent browning as you continue preparing the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, diced celery, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, mini marshmallows, and dried cranberries. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Make Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, then gently fold to coat everything evenly without breaking the fruit pieces.
- Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and garnish with fresh mint leaves if using. Serve chilled for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Using a mix of sweet and tart apples adds complexity to the flavor.
- Mini marshmallows are optional but add a fun, soft texture and sweetness.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans if preferred.
- For a tangier dressing, substitute yogurt with sour cream.
- Make sure to chill the salad for at least an hour to let flavors meld.
- Fresh mint leaves add a refreshing aroma and garnish but can be omitted if unavailable.