How to Make Apple Salad in Just 10 Minutes!

Apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, with over 7,500 varieties grown globally. Not only are they incredibly versatile, but they also bring a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch to countless dishes.

This creamy apple salad recipe is one of the best ways to enjoy apples in their freshest form. It’s packed with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, juicy raisins, and refreshing celery, all tossed in a creamy honey-mustard dressing. This salad is a delicious and healthy option that comes together in just 10 minutes! Let’s dive into this quick and easy apple salad recipe that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Make Apple Salad 

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 5 | Course: Lunch/Dinner | Difficulty: Easy

Apple Salad Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• • 5 apples (diced)
  • 1 cup chopped celery 
  • ½ cup raisins 
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts 
  • 1 cup chopped lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped feta or mozzarella cheese

Dressing Ingredients:

• • ½ cup mayonnaise 
  • 1 tbsp honey 
  • 1 tbsp mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Using a Balloon Whisk ensures a perfectly blended dressing without clumps.

Step 2: Chop the Ingredients

Dice the apples, celery, walnuts, lettuce, and cheese into bite-sized pieces. The Zulay Kitchen's Cutting Board and Knife Set make prepping quick and easy while keeping everything uniform.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, celery, raisins, walnuts, cheese, and lettuce. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything until evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill & Serve

For best results, refrigerate for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve cold and enjoy!

How to Customize Your Apple Salad

• Swap the Nuts – Try pecans, almonds, or cashews for a different crunch.
• Make It Healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
• Add More Flavor – Toss in dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for added texture.
• Try a Different Cheese – Goat cheese or blue cheese will add a stronger, tangier flavor.

Health Benefits of Apple Salad

This nutrient-dense apple salad is both delicious and packed with health benefits. Apples provide fiber for digestion and heart health, while walnuts are rich in omega-3s that support brain function and reduce inflammation. Celery adds hydration and essential vitamins, and raisins offer antioxidants and iron to boost energy and circulation. A refreshing, wholesome dish!

What to Serve with Apple Salad

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey – The crisp, slightly sweet flavors of the apple salad complement the smoky, savory taste of grilled poultry. Adding a lean protein like chicken or turkey makes this salad a well-balanced, nutritious meal.
• Roast Pork – Apples and pork are a classic pairing, with the salad’s natural sweetness enhancing the rich, savory flavors of roasted pork. Serve it as a refreshing side to cut through the richness of the meat.
• Crusty Bread or Croissants – If you want to enjoy this salad as a light lunch, pair it with warm, crusty bread or a buttery croissant. The contrast between the crunchy salad and soft, flaky pastry creates a satisfying texture combination.
• Hearty Soups – A warm bowl of soup, such as butternut squash or tomato basil, pairs beautifully with the crisp, refreshing flavors of apple salad. The combination of a creamy soup and a crunchy salad makes for a comforting, balanced meal.

Make Your Own Apple Salad Today! 

This apple salad recipe is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. The crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet raisins blend beautifully with the creamy honey-mustard dressing, making every bite refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect go-to recipe for busy days!

The best part? You can easily customize it—add a handful of your favorite nuts, swap the cheese, or toss in extra greens for a heartier salad. However you make it, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, and if you share your creation on social media, don’t forget to tag @zulay_kitchen and use #kitchenhappiness. Happy cooking!

Kitchen Tools You Need

Make prepping this apple salad effortless with the right kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen:

• Mixing Bowl – A sturdy, spacious bowl makes it easy to toss all your ingredients evenly.
• Spatula Set – Perfect for mixing the dressing and ensuring every bite is coated in flavor.
• Salad Spinner – Quickly removes excess water from lettuce and celery, keeping your salad fresh and crisp.

These tools will help streamline your prep and elevate your salad-making experience!

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Salad

What Are the Best Apples for This Salad?

The best apples for apple salad are those that provide a good balance of sweetness and crunch. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples are excellent choices for a naturally sweet flavor, while Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples add a nice tart contrast. Avoid soft apple varieties like Red Delicious, as they can become mushy in the salad. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples enhances the depth of flavor and makes the salad more dynamic. If you're meal-prepping, consider firmer apples like Fuji, which hold up well even after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

Can I Make This Salad Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! Making this salad dairy-free is simple and requires just a few substitutions. Instead of regular cheese, opt for dairy-free feta or mozzarella, which can be found in most grocery stores. For the dressing, replace traditional mayonnaise with vegan mayo or plain dairy-free yogurt for a creamy texture without any dairy.

How Do I Keep Apples from Browning?

Apples start to brown when exposed to air due to oxidation, but there are several easy ways to prevent this. The best method is to toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar, which slows down the browning process. 

Can I Use a Different Dressing?

Yes! While the honey-mustard dressing in this recipe adds a creamy texture and slightly tangy sweetness, there are plenty of other dressings you can try. Greek yogurt-based dressings are a great alternative for a healthier, protein-packed option. Balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully with apples, giving the salad a more robust flavor. If you prefer something lighter, a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey works well too. 

Can I Add Protein to This Salad?

Definitely! Adding protein transforms this apple salad from a side dish into a filling, well-balanced meal. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken are excellent choices that pair well with the sweet and crunchy flavors. If you prefer plant-based protein, chickpeas, quinoa, or roasted almonds are fantastic additions that enhance both texture and nutritional value. 

How Can I Make This Salad More Kid-Friendly?

To make this apple salad more appealing to kids, consider using sweeter apple varieties like Gala or Fuji, which have a milder taste. If your child isn’t a fan of raisins, swap them out for dried cranberries or chopped grapes for a fun and juicy alternative. Instead of feta cheese, which has a stronger flavor, use mild shredded mozzarella or cheddar to make it more kid-friendly. You can also let kids customize their salad by serving the dressing on the side or letting them add their favorite crunchy toppings, such as sunflower seeds or toasted coconut.