Fresh and Crispy Apple Salad

Chock full of apples this salad has greens dressed in a bright vinaigrette with nuts, cheese, and fruit!

This apple salad recipe will brighten up the table any time of year.

Ingredients for Apple Salad

This apple salad recipe is a fresh green salad with lots of flavor. It can be served as a side dish or topped with chicken or grilled shrimp.

Apples – Use red or green apples in this recipe. Green apples are firm and tart, while red and yellow apples are a bit sweeter.

To prevent apples from oxidizing (turning brown), soak them in a bowl with water and salt (see recipe notes). Drain and pat dry before using, and your apples will be fresh and crisp for hours.

Fruit – Seedless grapes add color and sweetness. Slice the grapes in half before adding to the salad. Dried cranberries add texture and tang.

Nuts – Pecans, walnuts, and even pistachios work in this salad. Toast them in a dry saute pan to make them extra crunchy and flavorful. For those with nut allergies, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds will work, too!

Cheese – Choose dry cheeses with bright flavors like feta, bleu cheese, parmesan, or asiago that complement the flavor of the buttery nuts and tart apples.

Greens – Any variety of packaged mixed greens will make this salad come together in a pinch. It’s also great with spinach, kale, or a coleslaw blend.

feta , red onion , apples , cranberries , grapes , dressing , mixed greens , grapes , and pecans with labels to make Apple Salad

How to Make Apple Salad

Prepare vinaigrette (per recipe below).
Toast pecans and prep the apples.
Add mixed greens to a large bowl and top with apples, pecans, cranberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing

This 5-ingredient dressing is a cinch to put together. Replace apple cider vinegar with balsamic or white wine vinegar. You can also swap the sugar for honey or maple syrup.

Storing Leftovers

Keep apple salad separate from the dressing to keep it fresh. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss before serving.

Our Fave Fruity Salad Recipes

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Apple Salad

This salad is loaded with healthy ingredients like fruit, nuts, cheese, and greens, all tossed in a vibrant vinaigrette dressing!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 8

In a small jar with a lid, combine the dressing ingredients. Shake well to combine and refrigerate.
Place the pecans in a small skillet and heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Set aside to cool.
Core and thinly slice the apples.
Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl. Top with sliced apples, pecans, cranberries, red onion, and feta. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

TIP: To keep the apples from browning, in a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of water and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the sliced apples and let soak for 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and dab dry.
To keep salad fresh, store dressing separately from the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

5 from 1 vote

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

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