Apple Grape Salad with Honey Cinnamon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Grape Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish perfect for a light snack or a healthy side. Combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, and toasted nuts with a sweet cinnamon-honey dressing, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise and place both fruits in a large mixing bowl. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. 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 for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
4. Step 4: Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted nuts. Gently toss everything until the fruit is evenly coated and the nuts are well distributed.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled salad. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans for presentation.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of different apple varieties, like Granny Smith and Fuji, to enhance the flavor and texture contrast.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, substitute toasted pumpkin seeds or omit nuts entirely.
• For extra freshness, add chopped fresh mint or a splash of orange juice to the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit may become softer over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day. Give it a gentle toss before serving and refrigerate until ready to eat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fruit in this salad?

Yes, you can experiment by adding fruits like pears, blueberries, or sliced strawberries for added variety and flavor.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Tossing the diced apples with fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting helps prevent oxidation and keeps them looking fresh and vibrant.

Apple Grape Salad with Honey Cinnamon Dressing and Toasted Nuts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 68 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Apple Grape Salad combining crisp diced apples and juicy halved grapes with toasted pecans or walnuts, all tossed in a sweet and spicy cinnamon-honey dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect as a light snack or a refreshing side dish.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 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

1. 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 and allow them to cool, then roughly chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare Fruit: Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, keeping the skin on for extra nutrition and color. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise. Place both fruits into a large mixing bowl and toss them with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 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.
4. Combine Everything: Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted, chopped nuts. Gently toss everything until the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing and the nuts are well distributed.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest and crispest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you prefer it chilled. Optionally, garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans on top for presentation.

Notes

• Use fresh, crisp apples like Fuji or Granny Smith for best texture.
• To toast nuts evenly, keep stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Lemon juice helps prevent the apples and grapes from browning and adds a bright flavor.
• Serve chilled for a refreshing treat or immediately for maximum crunch.
• Can substitute walnuts for pecans depending on your preference.
• This salad is best consumed within 2 hours of preparation for optimal freshness.

Keywords: Apple Grape Salad, Fruit Salad, Healthy Salad, Cinnamon Honey Dressing, Toasted Nuts, Vegetarian Snack