A creamy, crunchy fruit salad loaded with sweet apples, juicy grapes, crisp celery, and toasted walnuts. The creamy dressing gives it a deliciously rich, slightly tangy flavor.

Ingredients — 6 servings

Salad

3 medium apples, cored and chopped
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1½ cups seedless green grapes, halved
1 cup celery, thinly sliced
¾ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins — optional
½ cup mini marshmallows — optional

Creamy Dressing

¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the fruit: Wash and dry the grapes thoroughly. Cut them in half. Core the apples and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Prevent browning: Toss the chopped apples with the lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
Toast the walnuts: Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently. Let them cool completely.
Make the dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, vanilla, and salt together until smooth and creamy.
Combine: Add apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and optional dried cranberries to a large bowl.
Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the fruit and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Finish: Sprinkle a few extra toasted walnuts on top just before serving.

🥗 Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 6 servings and including walnuts and dressing:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~330 kcal
Protein	~5 g
Carbohydrates	~34 g
Fat	~21 g
Saturated Fat	~3 g
Fiber	~4 g
Sugar	~25 g
Sodium	~220 mg

Values are estimates and will vary according to the type and amount of mayonnaise, yogurt, fruit, and sweetener used.

Allergens & Dietary Information

Contains tree nuts: walnuts
Contains milk/dairy if Greek yogurt is used
Mayonnaise generally contains egg
Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free certified ingredients
Vegetarian
Not dairy-free as written

❓ Apple Grape Walnut Salad Q&A

What kind of apples work best?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady are excellent choices. For a nice sweet-tart flavor, combine a sweet apple with Granny Smith.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No. Keeping the peel adds color, texture, and fiber.

How do I stop the apples from turning brown?

Toss them immediately with lemon juice. The acidity slows browning while adding a nice fresh flavor.

Can I use only red or green grapes?

Yes. Either works, or use a combination for a more colorful salad.

Can I substitute pecans for walnuts?

Absolutely. Pecans are an excellent substitute and give the salad a slightly sweeter, buttery flavor.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Yes. Simply omit the walnuts for a nut-free version. You can add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch if desired.

Can I make this salad healthier?

Yes. Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, reduce the honey, and use extra fresh fruit.

Can I use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes. Sour cream gives the dressing a richer, tangier flavor.

Can I make it without mayonnaise?

Yes. Use 1 cup Greek yogurt instead of the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt combination.

Can I add chicken?

Yes. Add 1½–2 cups cooked diced chicken to turn it into a hearty chicken fruit salad.

Can I add cheese?

Yes. Cubes of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or feta work particularly well.

Can I prepare it the night before?

Yes. It can be refrigerated overnight, although the apples and celery will be crispest when eaten the same day.

How long does it keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for about 2–3 days. Stir gently before serving.

Why is my salad watery?

The fruit may have released excess moisture. Make sure the grapes and apples are well dried after washing. Adding the dressing shortly before serving also helps.