Honeycrisp Apple Salad

Honeycrisp Apple Salad

This Honeycrisp Apple Salad celebrates the perfect sweet-crisp texture of Honeycrisp apples with complementary flavors and textures. Here are several delicious variations:

1. Classic Honeycrisp Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

· 2 large Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced
· 8 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
· ½ cup candied pecans or walnuts
· ½ cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
· ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries
· ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

For the Maple Dijon Dressing:

· ¼ cup olive oil
· 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
· 1 tablespoon maple syrup
· 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
· 1 small shallot, minced
· Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients until emulsified
2. Assemble Salad: Combine greens, apple slices, nuts, cheese, cranberries and onion
3. Serve: Toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness
4. Autumn Harvest Honeycrisp Apple Salad

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

· 3 Honeycrisp apples, cubed
· 2 cups chopped kale, massaged with olive oil
· 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
· ½ cup pomegranate seeds
· ½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds), toasted
· ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
· ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Cider Vinaigrette:

· ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
· ⅓ cup olive oil
· 2 tablespoons honey
· 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
· Salt and pepper to taste

3. Protein-Packed Honeycrisp Apple Chicken Salad

Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

· 2 Honeycrisp apples, diced
· 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
· 1 cup chopped celery
· ½ cup chopped walnuts
· ½ cup Greek yogurt
· 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
· 1 tablespoon lemon juice
· 2 teaspoons honey
· ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
· Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, dill, salt and pepper
2. Fold in apples, chicken, celery and walnuts
3. Chill 30 minutes before serving
4. Quick Honeycrisp Apple Slaw

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

· 2 Honeycrisp apples, julienned
· 3 cups shredded cabbage (green and purple)
· 2 carrots, julienned
· ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
· ⅓ cup mayonnaise
· 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
· 1 tablespoon honey
· 1 teaspoon celery seed
· Salt to taste

Pro Tips for Perfect Honeycrisp Apple Salads

Preventing Browning:

· Toss apple slices in 1 tablespoon lemon juice mixed with 1 cup water
· Prepare apples right before serving when possible
· Use a mandoline for uniformly thin slices

Texture Combinations:

· Crunchy: Nuts, seeds, raw vegetables
· Creamy: Cheeses, avocado, creamy dressings
· Chewy: Dried fruits, roasted vegetables

Flavor Pairings that Work:

· Sharp cheeses (blue, feta, aged cheddar)
· Toasted nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
· Bright herbs (mint, parsley, dill)
· Sweet elements (dried fruits, honey, maple)

Dressing Considerations:

· Creamy dressings complement the apple’s crispness
· Vinaigrettes with apple cider vinegar enhance apple flavor
· Add a touch of sweetness to balance apple’s natural tartness

Seasonal Variations

Spring: Add strawberries, mint, and goat cheese
Summer: Incorporate peaches, basil, and burrata
Fall: Include roasted squash, pecans, and cranberries
Winter: Add roasted beets, walnuts, and gorgonzola

Serving Suggestions

As a Side:

· Perfect with roasted chicken or pork
· Excellent alongside sandwiches
· Great with Thanksgiving dinner

As a Main Course:

· Add grilled chicken or shrimp
· Include quinoa or farro for heartier salad
· Top with salmon or tuna

Make-Ahead Tips:

· Prepare dressing up to 3 days ahead
· Toast nuts up to 1 week ahead
· Wash and dry greens 1 day ahead
· Cut apples maximum 1 hour before serving

The natural sweetness and incredible crunch of Honeycrisp apples make them perfect for salads year-round. Their ability to hold shape and resist browning better than many apple varieties makes them ideal for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasion meals!