Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is a fresh, flavorful combination of crisp apples, juicy grapes, and toasted nuts, all brought together with a sweet cinnamon-honey dressing. It’s a quick and easy dish that works perfectly as a snack or a light side.
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, diced
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for extra nutrition and color. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise. Place both fruits in a large mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. If the honey is too thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- Step 4: Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted, chopped nuts. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated and nuts are well distributed.
- Step 5: Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you prefer it chilled. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and whole pecans if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or vice versa depending on your preference or what you have available.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted coconut flakes or sunflower seeds.
- If you like a creamier salad, drizzle a bit of Greek yogurt on top before serving.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juice, so gently toss before serving again. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few hours for optimal texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen grapes in this salad?
Frozen grapes will become mushy once thawed, so fresh grapes are recommended for the best texture and taste.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan-friendly.
PrintCinnamon Apple Grape Salad Recipe
A refreshing and healthy Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad featuring crisp apples, juicy red grapes, and toasted pecans or walnuts, all tossed in a sweet cinnamon-honey dressing with a hint of lemon. Perfect as a light snack or a side dish, this salad combines crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a warm spice twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3 medium apples, diced
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
Nuts
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Toast Nuts: Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat, allow them to cool, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Fruit: Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, keeping the skin on for added nutrition and color. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise. Place both fruits in a large mixing bowl and toss them with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until fully combined. If the honey is too thick to drizzle easily, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Combine Everything: Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture. Add the toasted, chopped nuts, then gently toss until all the fruit is evenly coated and nuts are well distributed throughout the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp texture, or refrigerate it for up to 2 hours to serve chilled. Optionally, garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans for presentation.
Notes
- Use a mix of pecans and walnuts for more texture variety.
- Choose crisp, tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Fuji for the best flavor contrast.
- Do not prepare too far in advance as the fruit may release juices and become soggy.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Chilling the salad enhances the refreshing taste, making it ideal for warm-weather gatherings.
Keywords: cinnamon apple grape salad, fruit salad, healthy salad, honey cinnamon dressing, toasted nuts salad
