Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s face it, nothing beats a dish that effortlessly combines crunch, sweetness, and a delightful hint of spice. This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, picnics, or even as a quick side for dinner. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and healthy. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
"I never knew a simple salad could be so delicious! This is my go-to for summer BBQs!"
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
Creating this enchanting salad is a breeze! It involves toasting nuts, dicing fresh fruits, and mixing everything together with a sweet cinnamon dressing. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a light dessert, this recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
Gather these items for an irresistible salad:
- 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
Substitution tips: You can use green apples for a tart flavor, or swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan option.
Directions
Begin by toasting the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Once done, take them off the heat and allow them to cool before roughly chopping them into bite-sized pieces.
Next, wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for added nutrition and color. Halve the grapes lengthwise and toss both fruits into a large mixing bowl. A quick drizzle of lemon juice will help prevent browning.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until blended. If you find the honey too thick, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for easier drizzling.
Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted, chopped nuts. Gently toss everything together so the fruit is evenly coated and the nuts are nicely distributed.
Serve immediately for the crispiest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you prefer it chilled. For a delightful touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans on top.
Serving Suggestions
This salad shines as a standalone side dish or dessert, but it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pork for a complete meal. You could also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or on a charcuterie board for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Feel free to add a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream to elevate it even further!
Storage & Reheating
To keep leftovers fresh, store your salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness, but can last up to two days. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the fruit. If you do have leftovers, no need to reheat; enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.
Pro Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some dried cranberries or raisins.
- If you want a bit more crunch, sprinkle some granola on top before serving.
- Adjust the honey and cinnamon levels according to your taste; a little more spice can go a long way!
Variations
Feel free to get creative! Try swapping apples with pears for a different texture or using a combination of nuts like almonds and pistachios. You could also explore various spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, for a unique twist. For a tropical flair, include diced pineapple or mango!
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare most of the components (toasting nuts, dicing fruits) ahead of time and combine them just before serving.
What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples are great options, each offering a different level of sweetness and crunch.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute honey with maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly while maintaining that delicious sweetness.
- Easy summer salads
- Healthy fruit desserts
Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful salad combining crunchy apples and grapes with toasted nuts and a cinnamon-honey dressing, perfect as a side or a light dessert.
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
- Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring regularly until fragrant and lightly browned. Allow to cool and chop roughly.
- Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, keeping the skin on. Halve the grapes lengthwise and add both to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until blended. Warm the honey if too thick for easier drizzling.
- Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the chopped nuts. Gently toss to coat the fruit evenly.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if preferred chilled. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and whole pecans.
Notes
For added flavor, consider including dried cranberries or raisins. Adjust honey and cinnamon levels according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg