Easy Cranberry Apple Salad
Easy Cranberry Apple Salad is a crisp, creamy, and lightly sweet dish that brings together the natural sweetness of apples and dried fruit with the tang of lemon and yogurt. It’s perfect as a refreshing side dish, light lunch, or healthy holiday addition that requires no cooking and minimal prep.
Why People Will Love This Recipe:
Light & Fresh: It’s crunchy, fruity, and refreshing without being heavy.
Healthy but Comforting: Made with yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, more nutritious spin.
Quick to Make: Comes together in under 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Great Texture Combo: Creamy yogurt, crisp apples, chewy dried fruit, and crunchy walnuts in every bite.
Kid- & Adult-Friendly: Mild, sweet flavors make it a hit with all ages.
Key Ingredients Overview:
Vanilla Yogurt: Creamy and lightly sweet base that binds the salad together.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright flavor and prevents apples from browning.
Apples: The star ingredient—use a mix of tart and sweet varieties for balance.
Celery: Adds crunch and a mild savory contrast.
Raisins & Dried Cranberries: Provide chewiness and fruity depth.
Walnuts: Offer a nutty flavor and hearty crunch.
Easy Cranberry Apple Salad
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 apples, cleaned, cored and diced
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the vanilla yogurt and lemon juice until well blended.
Add the diced apples and gently toss to coat them evenly in the yogurt mixture.
Fold in the chopped celery, raisins, dried cranberries, and walnuts until everything is well combined.
Serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Important Notes for Easy Cranberry Apple Salad:
Use a Mix of Apples for Best Flavor:
Combining sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) with tart ones (like Granny Smith) adds complexity and balances the flavors.
Toss Apples in Lemon Juice Immediately:
This prevents browning and gives a subtle citrusy brightness that complements the fruit and yogurt.
Use Plain or Greek Yogurt if Needed:
If you don’t have vanilla yogurt, use plain yogurt and stir in a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to taste. Greek yogurt also works well for a thicker, protein-packed salad.
Soak Dried Fruit for Softer Texture (Optional):
If you prefer a plumper bite, soak the raisins and cranberries in warm water for 5–10 minutes before adding them to the salad. Be sure to drain them well.
Toast the Walnuts for Extra Flavor:
Lightly toasting the chopped walnuts in a dry pan enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
Make Ahead Friendly:
You can prep this salad a few hours in advance—just keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving.
Customize with Add-ins:
Try adding chopped pears, red grapes, shredded carrots, or mini marshmallows for extra variety and texture.
Great for Holidays or Everyday:
This dish works well as a light holiday side, potluck addition, or a refreshing lunch salad.
Chill Before Serving:
While it can be served at room temperature, chilling it for 30–60 minutes enhances flavor and gives it a refreshing bite.
Storage Tip:
Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3–4 days. Stir well before serving, as natural juices may settle.
Nutrition Information
(Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings):
Calories: ~180 | Fat: ~8g | Carbohydrates: ~25g | Fiber: ~3g | Sugar: ~18g | Protein: ~3g | Sodium: ~30mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this salad sweet or savory?
It’s lightly sweet from the yogurt and fruit, but has savory elements from the celery and walnuts for balance.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best eaten within 24 hours but can be made up to a day ahead and kept chilled.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely—pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds also work well.
What type of apples work best?
Firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith hold up best in this salad.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check yogurt labels to be sure.
How do I prevent apples from browning?
Tossing them in lemon juice right after cutting keeps them fresh and bright.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes—use plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a thicker, more protein-rich salad.
What if I don’t like celery?
You can omit it or swap with chopped cucumber or even jicama for crunch.
Can I add fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are preferred for texture and sweetness. If using fresh, consider sweetening them slightly.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.