Get ready to experience a symphony of textures and flavors that will make your autumn dining absolutely unforgettable! This Autumn Crunch Apple Salad isn't just another side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and a creamy honey-yogurt dressing that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a refreshing, nutritious salad that captures the essence of fall in every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, diced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Core the apples and dice them into bite-sized, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size. To prevent browning, immediately toss the diced apples with lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
- Rinse the celery and chop into fine, crisp pieces matching the apple cube size for consistent texture.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and create a more aromatic profile.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and remaining lemon juice to create a creamy dressing.
- Add chopped walnuts, raisins, and celery to the bowl with diced apples.
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad and gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving chilled.
Tips
- Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Toast walnuts carefully – watch them closely to prevent burning and release their maximum nutty flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice to prevent apple browning and add a bright, tangy note to the salad.
- For extra crunch, consider briefly chilling your serving bowl before assembling the salad.
- This salad tastes even better if allowed to sit for 15-20 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld together.
- For a protein boost, you can add grilled chicken or crumbled goat cheese to make it a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 5mg
