Christmas Apple Salad: A Colorful and Healthy Holiday Side Dish

The holiday season is an ideal time to get together with family and friends, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious, festive food? Christmas Apple Salad, also known as Mexican Christmas Apple Salad, is a colorful and refreshing side dish with both sweet and savory flavors. It's simple to make, visually appealing, and full of seasonal flavors that pair perfectly with holiday mains like roasted turkey, ham, or chicken.

This salad is a crowd favorite, thanks to the bright crunch of apples, the sweetness of pineapple and raisins, the earthy flavor of walnuts, and a creamy yogurt dressing. Also, it is adaptable—you can make it ahead of time, giving you more time to concentrate on other holiday preparations. Let's start with this delicious and simple recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Apple Salad

This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, plus a bit of chilling time to let the flavors meld.
Prepare it a day in advance to save time on the big day.
It’s packed with fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a creamy yet light dressing, making it a nutritious addition to your holiday meal.
This recipe pairs wonderfully with holiday proteins like roast turkey, glazed ham, or baked chicken, making it a perfect side dish for any main course.

The Origins of Christmas Apple Salad

This dish is often recognized as a traditional Mexican Christmas Apple Salad, and it's a holiday favorite in lots of homes. In Mexican cuisine, this festive salad usually features a blend of fresh apples, nuts, dried fruit, and a creamy base. The recipe has changed a lot over the years, with different versions showing up that mix in various fruits, nuts, and dressings. It's a favorite dish that really highlights the lively, celebratory spirit of Mexican holiday cooking.

Ingredients

3 Cups diced apples: You can use red or green apples (or a mix of both) for color. Feel free to peel or not peel them, depending on your preference. The crunchier the apple, the better!
1/4 Cup raisins: Adds a sweet and chewy texture to the salad, balancing the fresh apples.
3/4 Cup canned pineapple, diced: Use canned pineapple in its juice for a juicy, tropical sweetness.
1 Cup green grapes, halved: Green grapes add a refreshing tartness. You can also use red grapes for a pop of color.
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts: Provides a satisfying crunch. Pecans or almonds can be used as substitutes if desired.
3/4 Cup plain yogurt: The base of the creamy dressing. Choose Greek yogurt if you prefer a thicker consistency.
1/2 Cup cream: Adds a rich, smooth texture to the dressing. You can use sour cream for a tangier taste.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a fresh citrus note.
Salt to taste: Enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit and balances the flavors.

A person slicing an apple using Zulay's Kitchen Apple Slicer.

Optional Add-Ins

Dried cranberries
Pomegranate seeds
Honey
Shredded coconut

How to Make Christmas Apple Salad?

Step 1: Prep the Fruit

Start by washing and drying your fruit thoroughly. Dice the apples into small cubes—about bite-sized. You can choose to leave the peel on for added color and fiber. Halve the grapes, dice the pineapple, and chop the walnuts. Gather everything in one place to make mixing easier.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, pineapple, raisins, green grapes, and chopped walnuts. Add the lemon juice to the mixture to keep the apples fresh and vibrant. Gently toss everything together to ensure even distribution ofthe ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, cream, and a pinch of salt. If you’d like a sweeter dressing, you canadd a drizzle of honey. The cream and yogurt should be well combined and smooth.

A jar of yogurt for Christmas Apple Salad dressing.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture, stirring gently until all the fruit is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful salad.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, give the salad a quick stir to refresh the dressing. Serve it chilled in a large bowl or individual cups for an elegant presentation. Garnish with extra walnuts or a handful of pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.

Zulay's Expert Tips for the Perfect Christmas Apple Salad

Use Crisp Apples: Go for firm, crunchy apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala to maintain a good texture.
Mix Fruit Textures: Incorporating both juicy fruits (like pineapple) and crunchy fruits (like apples) adds complexity and makes the salad more enjoyable.
Chill Thoroughly: The longer the salad chills, the better it will taste. Make it at least an hour ahead, but overnight is even better.
Balance Sweetness: If your salad is too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to the dressing. If it’s too sweet, a splash of lemon juice will help balance it out.
Keep it Creamy: Greek yogurt is a great choice for a thicker dressing, while regular plain yogurt will give a lighter, runnier consistency. Adjust based on your preference.

A bowl of Christmas Apple Salad for breakfast.

Why Christmas Apple Salad Is Perfect for the Holidays

This Christmas Apple Salad is ideal for the holidays because it provides a refreshing and light contrast to the heavier dishes that are commonly served during the holidays. The natural sweetness of the fruit, the creaminess of the dressing, and the crunch of the nuts make for a well-balanced side dish. It's not only delicious but also visually stunning, adding a pop of color to any holiday spread.

You can serve this during holiday brunches, winter parties, and even potlucks. If you're serving a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe, and it travels well, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties!

Health Benefits of Christmas Apple Salad

Apples are high in fiber and Vitamin C, which boost your immune system and promote digestive health.
Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, supporting heart health.
Yogurt provides calcium, protein, and probiotics, making the dressing both creamy and nutritious.
Grapes and pineapple offer a good dose of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting overall health during the colder months.

Let Us Know What You Think!

We hope you enjoy this refreshing Christmas Apple Salad recipe. It’s a delightful addition to any holiday table and a fantastic way to add a touch of color and flavor to your Christmas feast. Let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We’d love to hear your thoughts, variations, or any creative twists you made to this festive recipe.

Spread the Holiday Joy!

Know someone who’s looking for a delicious and easy holiday side dish? Share this Christmas Apple Salad Recipe with them on social media. Don’t forget to tag @ZulayKitchen and use #kitchenhappiness and #ChristmasAppleSalad so we can see your tasty creations!

Happy Holidays, and cheers to a colorful and healthy Christmas feast! 🎄🍏🥗

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Apple Salad

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Christmas Apple Salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will have more time to meld, and the salad will taste even better.

How Should I Store Leftover Christmas Apple Salad?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can I Use a Different Nut?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with chopped pecans, almonds, or cashews. Choose your favorite nut to customize the flavor.

What Other Fruits Can I Add?

Feel free to get creative with the fruit mix. Fresh cranberries, diced mango, or shredded coconut can be great additions. Adjust the recipe to include your favorite seasonal fruits for a unique twist.

Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

To make a dairy-free version of this salad, substitute the yogurt and cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and coconut cream. The salad will still be creamy and delicious.