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Creamy Waldorf Apple Salad with Candied Pecans

A close-up of a creamy apple salad mixed with red grapes, green apple chunks, and topped generously with toasted pecans.
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This is a classic, refreshing apple salad featuring crisp apples, celery, grapes, and a light, tangy dressing, topped with sweet, crunchy candied pecans. It makes a great side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
  • 2 large Fuji apples, cored and diced
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon butter
  • 2 cups mixed greens (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the pecan halves and brown sugar. Stir constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar is melted and coats the nuts. Spread the coated pecans onto parchment paper to cool completely, then roughly chop.
  2. Prevent browning: As you dice the apples, place them immediately into a bowl of cold water mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Drain well before mixing.
  3. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is the best apple salad dressing base.
  4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained apples, chopped celery, and halved grapes.
  5. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Before serving, toss the salad with the chopped candied pecans. Serve the crunchy apple salad over a bed of mixed greens if desired.

Notes

  • For a savory apple salad sides variation, add 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  • To make this a chicken salad with apples, gently fold in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast before chilling.
  • If you prefer a sweeter slaw, increase the honey in the dressing by 1 teaspoon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/best-apple-salad-creamy-waldorf-recipe/