Refreshing Apple Salad: Crisp Greens & Tangy Dressing (Print Version)

This Refreshing Apple Salad brings crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy dressing together. A simple, vibrant dish that's a family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Core

01 - 2 large crisp apples (e.g., Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala), cored and diced
02 - 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
03 - 1/4 small red onion, very finely minced

→ Fresh Accents

04 - 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

→ Creamy Dressing Base

05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
09 - 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)

→ Crunchy & Seasoning

10 - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples, celery, and red onion ready. I wash my apples thoroughly, then core them. For the apples, I usually dice them into bite-sized pieces, maybe about half an inch. The celery gets thinly sliced, and the red onion needs to be finely minced – we're going for flavor, not big chunks here. You want everything to be roughly the same size for a balanced bite.
02 - This step is small but mighty! Grab a dry skillet and toast your walnuts over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until they smell fragrant and are lightly browned. Watch them like a hawk, because they go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad. Trust me, cold walnuts keep the salad fresh and crunchy.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it's super smooth and creamy. Give it a taste! This is where you adjust the seasoning – maybe a little more honey, a touch more vinegar? You want a dressing that's tangy, sweet, and just right.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, gently combine your diced apples, sliced celery, minced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley. I always take a moment to admire all those vibrant colors before mixing. It just looks so fresh and inviting! Make sure everything is distributed evenly before the next step.
05 - Pour the creamy dressing over the apple mixture. Now, use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated. You don't want to smash the apples, just coat them. This is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a cohesive, delicious dish.
06 - Finally, fold in your cooled, toasted walnuts. Give it one last gentle stir. Now, for the hardest part: cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the flavors meld together beautifully. It’s worth the wait, I promise! The apples get a little more tender, and the dressing settles in, making it truly refreshing.

# Notes:

01 - Dicing apples right before assembly prevents browning, a lesson learned from sad brown apples!
02 - Store leftover Refreshing Apple Salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days; don't freeze, it gets watery.
03 - Pecans or slivered almonds make great walnut substitutes, and sometimes dried cranberries work, but change the vibe.
04 - Serve this Refreshing Apple Salad alongside grilled chicken or a hearty sandwich for a complete, vibrant meal.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Cutting board
02 - sharp knife
03 - large mixing bowl
04 - whisk
05 - small skillet

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 18g
Protein: 4g

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