Granny Smith Apple Salad
A crisp, sweet-tart apple salad with pineapple and whipped topping, topped with crunchy peanuts, perfect as a light dessert or refreshing side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, vinegar, crushed pineapple (with juice), flour, and beaten egg over medium heat until thickened.
- Chunk the unpeeled Granny Smith apples and fold into the thickened mixture.
- Fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined.
- Spoon the mixture into serving dishes and top each with ground dry roasted peanuts.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the salad, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the thickened mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup. For a creamier texture, Greek yogurt can replace Cool Whip. Be sure to chop the apples just before serving to maintain their crispness and avoid browning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Granny Smith Apple Salad as a refreshing dessert or a sweet side dish at gatherings. It pairs beautifully with hearty meals like roasted chicken or pork. You can also serve it alongside lighter options, such as a simple green salad or even with Gerry'S Muffins for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may thicken further as it sits, so stir in a little extra Cool Whip or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the apples and whipped topping may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny Smith Apple Salad contains roughly 374 calories, with 5g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.
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 use a different type of apple for this salad?
While Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor and crisp texture, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may alter the overall taste of the salad, so you may want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, simply substitute Cool Whip with a dairy-free whipped topping or use whipped coconut cream. Ensure that any other ingredients, like the canned pineapple, do not contain dairy additives to keep the recipe completely dairy-free.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely! This Granny Smith Apple Salad is a great choice for potlucks as it's easy to prepare and transport. Just keep it chilled until serving, and consider bringing extra peanuts for guests who may want to add more crunch. It’s a crowd-pleaser that complements a wide array of dishes.
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).