This fresh apple salad recipe is crisp, sweet, and full of texture with citrus, raisins, and crunchy nuts. A healthy, easy side dish ready in 15 minutes. Whether enjoyed as a light side, a healthy snack, or a bright addition to your meal, this salad is easy to prepare and endlessly customizable. With a hint of citrus, warm spices, and the crunch of nuts and raisins, it’s a delicious blend of flavors that gets even better with time. Plus, you can tweak it to be sweet or savory, making it a versatile favorite. Let’s dive in!
Fresh Apple Salad
This simple, light dish can be served cold or at room temperature and can be made up to a day ahead and refrigerated, where the flavors will continue to meld and deepen.
Ingredients
- 6-8 apples, one variety or mix. choose apples that are crisp and good when eaten fresh
- 2-3 tbsp orange juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 3/4 cup chopped raw pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1-2 sprig fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Cut apples into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle with lemon juice as you cut, to prevent browning.
- Add raisins, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Stir.
- Garnish with mint leaves, whole or chopped, if using.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Variations: Try any other juice in place of orange (think cranberry, pomegranate, or mango) Add other fresh fruits in season: berries, peaches, grapes and plums are especially nice.
For a savory version: add 1 C of chopped celery, cabbage, kale or romaine lettuce; substitute cardamom, ginger, cumin or curry spices for the cinnamon, and use fresh basil, celery leaves or marjoram instead of mint.
