Simply Apple Salad
A delightful sweet and crunchy apple salad featuring diced apples, walnuts, marshmallows, and a creamy dressing, perfect for gatherings and family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the diced red apples, yellow apples, chopped walnuts, and miniature marshmallows in a large mixing bowl; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, blend the mayonnaise, white vinegar, white sugar, and canned milk until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and stir to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider using a mix of crunchy and soft apples; Granny Smith can provide a nice tart contrast. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise. For a nut-free version, swap walnuts for sunflower seeds. This salad can also incorporate dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. For a fun twist, consider adding it as a topping for pancakes or combining it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover apple salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may cause the apples to brown slightly, so it's best to consume it fresh. Avoid freezing as the texture of the apples and marshmallows will change significantly upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simply Apple Salad contains roughly 1136 calories, with 13g protein, 167g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (68% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1297mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
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 apple salad a day in advance. Just mix the apples and other ingredients, but keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This will help maintain the crunchiness of the apples and prevent browning.
What kind of apples work best for this salad?
A mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal. Red apples like Fuji or Gala add sweetness, while yellow apples such as Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious provide a nice balance. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! If you're looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used in place of mayonnaise. This will give you a creamy texture with a tangy flavor, making it a great fit for this salad.
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).