Diced Apple Salad
A refreshing and crunchy apple salad with nuts and raisins, coated in a creamy sweet dressing—perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or healthy snack options.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine diced apples, chopped nuts, and raisins in a salad bowl.
- In a small bowl, stir mayonnaise and sugar together; beat until creamy. If needed, stir in a teaspoon of milk to thin.
- Pour dressing over salad and stir to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. If you want a healthier option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Toasting the nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly. For an extra crunch, try adding a handful of celery or carrots. This salad is versatile and can easily be adapted into vegan recipes by using plant-based mayonnaise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this diced apple salad as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues, or as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside a spinach salad or a bowl of soup. This dish also makes a delightful addition to brunch spreads, complementing items like Tropical Ice or Amaretto Slushes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, but they will still taste great. If you want to keep the apples from browning, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them before mixing. This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Diced Apple Salad contains roughly 563 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (52% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, it's best to mix the dressing just before serving to prevent the apples from becoming mushy. If you want to prepare it even earlier, keep the apples and dressing separate until you're ready to serve.
What types of nuts work best in this salad?
You can use a variety of nuts based on your preference. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add great crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, consider using seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just ensure that any mayonnaise you use is certified gluten-free if you're serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).