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A bowl of creamy apple salad

Creamy Apple Salad

If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious salad that’s perfect for any time of year, you’ve got to try this creamy apple salad! It’s a sweet and savory mix that combines fresh apples, crunchy nuts, and a rich, creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigerate 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Small Bowl (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Salad:

  • 4 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work great
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional, but adds a nice crunch
  • 1/4 cup raisins optional, for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut optional, for extra texture

For the Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer flavor
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup adjust based on your sweetness preference
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for added flavor

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apples

  • Wash and core the apples, then slice them into thin bite-sized pieces. You can leave the skins on for extra texture and color, or peel them if you prefer.
  • Estimated time: 5 minutes

Chop the Nuts and Raisins

  • Roughly chop the walnuts or pecans into smaller pieces. If you're using raisins or shredded coconut, have them ready to add as well.
  • Estimated time: 3 minutes
  • Pro Tip: Be careful not to chop the nuts too finely—they add a great crunch, so you want them to be in nice-sized pieces.

Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth.
  • Estimated time: 2 minutes
  • Pro Tip: Whisk continuously to prevent any lumps from forming, and taste the dressing to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Combine the Salad

  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices, nuts, raisins, and shredded coconut together.
  • Estimated time: 2 minutes
  • Pro Tip: Gently toss everything with a spatula or spoon so the apples stay intact and don’t get mushy.

Add the Dressing

  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until the apples are nicely coated.
  • Estimated time: 2 minutes
  • Pro Tip: Be patient while stirring—this is where the magic happens! Take your time to coat everything evenly.

Chill and Serve

  • For the best flavor, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Estimated time: 30 minutes chilling
  • Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but the chilling step does make a difference in taste!

Notes

Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: ~250-300 kcal
  • Protein: ~4-5g
  • Carbs: ~30-35g
  • Fiber: ~3-4g
  • Sugar: ~20g 
  • Fat: ~15-18g
  • Sodium: ~50-100 mg (depending on the brand of mayonnaise used)
 
Share your thoughts! Rate and comment below if you tried this recipe.
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword apple salad, creamy apple salad, salad recipes