As a busy mom, you need recipes that make your life easier while keeping your family happy and healthy. The Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad combines fresh fruit with a touch of sweetness and crunch. It’s a delightful dish that serves as a snack, side, or light dessert. This recipe is quick to put together and perfect for those days when you need something refreshing and nutritious.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad stands out for many reasons. First, it requires minimal prep time, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The combination of apples and grapes provides not only great flavor but also essential vitamins for your kids. Plus, the toasted nuts add a satisfying crunch that everyone loves. Whether you’re packing it for a lunch or serving it as an after-school snack, this dish fits perfectly into family life.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, diced
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions
- Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for extra nutrition and color. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise. Place both fruits in a large mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. If the honey is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted, chopped nuts. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing and the nuts are distributed throughout.
- Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving if you prefer it chilled. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans on top for presentation if desired.
Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
A refreshing and nutritious salad combining apples and grapes with a touch of sweetness and crunch, perfect for snacks or light desserts.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, diced
- 2 cups red grapes, halved
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for extra nutrition and color. Cut the grapes in half lengthwise. Place both fruits in a large mixing bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined. If the honey is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted, chopped nuts. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the dressing and the nuts are distributed throughout.
- Serve immediately for the crispest texture, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving if you prefer it chilled. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon and a few whole pecans on top for presentation if desired.
Notes
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Avoid adding nuts until just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
How to Serve
You can enjoy this Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad in many ways. Serve it as a refreshing side dish at dinner. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also makes a fantastic snack for kids after school. Consider adding it to a picnic spread or using it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast.
How to Store
To keep the salad fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its flavor and crunch for up to two days. However, salads with apples and grapes can brown over time due to oxidation, so try to serve it soon after making it. If you want to make it ahead of time, skip adding the nuts until just before serving to keep that crunchy texture.
Tips and Variations
For a little twist, try using different types of nuts, like almonds or pistachios, based on your family’s preference. You can also substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra kick, or mix in some diced pears for more fruit flavor. This salad is adaptable to whatever tastes your family enjoys.
FAQs
Can I use green grapes instead of red grapes?
Yes, green grapes work great in this salad. They will add a different sweetness and color.
How can I make this salad vegan?
You can replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to make this salad completely vegan.
Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! Consider adding berries, bananas, or even mandarin oranges for variety. Just be sure to adjust the dressing based on the added fruits to keep everything well-balanced.
Conclusion
This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is not just a simple recipe; it’s a delicious way to combine nutrition and flavor in your family’s meals. With easy preparation and endless variations, you can make this dish your own. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and save this recipe for a refreshing treat whenever you need it!
