If you’re searching for a refreshing and wholesome dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, the Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad masterfully combines crisp apples, creamy Greek yogurt, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts — each bite is a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty that feels both vibrant and comforting. It’s a quick and simple recipe that’s perfect for a light lunch, a colorful side, or even a healthy snack to brighten up your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe lies in its simplicity — just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the mix, enhancing the salad’s flavor, crunch, and color.
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy yogurt.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle bite and depth of flavor without overpowering the salad.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped: Toasting intensifies their nutty aroma and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Lends a sweet-tart pop that complements the apples perfectly.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy, protein-packed dressing base that ties all the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness to balance the tart flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and adding a gentle savory note.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A lovely green touch that adds a fresh, herbal aroma.
How to Make Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Gather and Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Begin by coring and thinly slicing the apples — thin slices ensure every forkful blends smoothly with the other textures. Chop the celery and finely dice the red onion so their bite fits nicely into each mouthful without overwhelming the other flavors.
Step 2: Toast and Chop the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and slightly golden. This step brings out their rich, nutty essence and adds a lovely crunch, elevating the salad’s texture immensely.
Step 3: Combine the Salad Components
In a large bowl, toss together the prepared apples, celery, red onion, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. This colorful medley promises a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that make this Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This simple dressing is the heart of the recipe, wrapping every ingredient in a luscious, tangy coating that enhances without overpowering.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to let the ingredients mingle and the dressing settle perfectly into every bite.
Step 6: Optional Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a boost of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish beautifully. Now you are ready to dive into this crunchy, creamy, flavorful Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe!
How to Serve Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for this salad that adds a pop of green and freshness. You could also consider a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a few extra dried cranberries on top to lend even more color and texture. A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg on the dressing adds a subtle warmth and seasonal flair.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a light and nourishing lunch or dinner. It’s also fantastic alongside hearty sandwiches, sharp cheeses, or warm quinoa bowls. If you want a vegetarian meal, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple grain salad to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve this salad in individual glass bowls or hollowed-out apples for a charming touch. Layer it in parfait glasses with granola and a drizzle of honey for a playful twist. Alternatively, pile it high on toasted whole-grain bread for a fresh and crunchy open-faced sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, keep your salad tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge. The lemon juice in the dressing helps slow down browning, but it’s best eaten within one to two days for peak freshness and texture.
Freezing
Because of the crisp apples and yogurt dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended; the texture of the apples and the creaminess of the yogurt dressing would not hold up well once thawed, resulting in a soggy and less enjoyable experience.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled and fresh, so reheating is unnecessary. If you want a warm component alongside, consider reheating a protein or grain side dish rather than the salad itself, preserving its fresh texture and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of yogurt in this recipe?
Absolutely! While plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, you can substitute with regular yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt if you prefer. Adjust sweetness as needed to balance out the tang.
What apples work best for this salad?
Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully because they hold their texture and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. These small changes keep the salad creamy and sweet while making it vegan-friendly.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
About 15 to 30 minutes in the refrigerator is perfect to allow the flavors to blend and the dressing to lightly soak into the apples and walnuts without losing crispness.
Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?
Definitely! Pecans or almonds would add a nice crunch, and dried cherries or raisins can be great alternatives to cranberries, giving a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the combination of crisp apples, tangy Greek yogurt, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts in this Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with texture and flavor, and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it soon — your taste buds will thank you!
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Apple Salad with Greek Yogurt, Cranberries, and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and crunchy apple salad featuring a delightful combination of crisp apples, celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing sweetened with honey and brightened with lemon juice. Perfect as a light side dish or snack, this salad offers a balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors with a touch of freshness from parsley.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced apples, chopped celery, finely diced red onion, toasted and chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk the plain Greek yogurt with honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the apples.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if using, adding a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- To toast walnuts, dry roast them in a skillet for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for variation.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead but is best served the same day to maintain apple freshness.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
