This delicious Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad comes together in about 20 minutes and is a no-bake treat that your family will love! It’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or even for a special occasion where you want to impress your guests. What’s the best part? You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have on hand, or even use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those odds and ends lingering in the kitchen. So let’s dive in!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Apples : 3 medium, diced
- Red Grapes : 2 cups, halved
- Nuts : 1 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and chopped
- Honey : 3 tablespoons
- Ground Cinnamon : 1 teaspoon
- Fresh Lemon Juice : 2 tablespoons
- Sea Salt : A pinch
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Toast the Nuts (3-5 minutes) : Start by toasting your pecans or walnuts. Toss them in a dry skillet over medium heat and keep stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes or until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Just be sure to keep an eye on them; they can go from golden to burned in a flash! Once they’re toasted, remove from heat and let cool.
Prep the Fruit (5-10 minutes) : Wash and dice your apples into bite-sized chunks, leave the skin on for color and nutrition, then slice those juicy grapes in half lengthwise so they can soak up all that dressing goodness. Toss both fruits into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. It helps keep those apples from browning and makes everything vibrant!
Combine the Dressing (2-3 minutes) : In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until they are well combined. If your honey is on the thicker side, just give it a quick zap in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make it easier to blend.
Mix it Up (2-3 minutes) : Pour the cinnamon-honey dressing over the fruit mixture, then sprinkle in those toasted nuts. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with that sweet, sticky goodness. Honestly, it smells delicious at this point!
Serve! : You can serve it right away for that crisp texture, or chill it in the fridge for up to 2 hours if you prefer it a little colder. Personally, I enjoy it fresh, nothing like that crunchy goodness! For a pop of color, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon and some whole pecans on top for presentation.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is a go-to recipe for me when I’m looking for a quick and refreshing side dish that everyone in my family, yes, even my picky toddler, will actually eat. I’m a real sucker for salads that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. And the best part is that you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand! Seriously, it’s like an edible canvas. My husband often asks: “Can you make that fruit salad again?” And I’m always ready to whip it up!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Blueberry Peach Feta Salad, my Steakhouse Potato Salad, or my Simple Frozen Fruit Salad!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknight meals or gatherings when you just don’t have the time to cook an elaborate dish!
Customizable
Use whatever ingredients you have! Switch up the nuts, try different fruits, or even add in some mini marshmallows for a twist! It’s such a versatile recipe, and you can make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me; the whole family will love this one! With its sweet and crunchy elements, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds. It’s always a hit at potlucks, just watch it disappear!
Make-Ahead Friendly
If you’re prepping for a gathering, you can make this salad up to two hours in advance, just keep it chilled in the fridge until it’s time to serve. If you’re meal prepping for the week, pack it up in individual containers for a healthy snack or side dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is fantastic on its own, but you can jazz it up! Serve it alongside grilled chicken for that perfect balance of flavors, or toss it into a hearty green salad for added crunch. It pairs nicely with savory dishes like roasted pork or as part of a big buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating:
Fridge Life: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. After that, the apples may start to brown and lose their crunch. I usually prep it fresh for the best texture!
Freezer Friendly? Nope, not recommended, as the fruit doesn’t hold up well to freezing. But honestly, it’s so quick to make fresh, you really won’t need to freeze it!
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so simply pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve!
With its combination of crispy apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy nuts, this Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad is a refreshing, healthy side dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, just like it has in mine. Easy, delightful, and bursting with undeniable flavor, what’s not to love?
So, gather your ingredients, and let’s make this zesty salad today! You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so satisfying and delicious. Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily baking inspiration that brings warmth to your table!
Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Toast your pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized chunks, then halve the grapes. Toss both fruits in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with lemon juice.
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit mixture and add the toasted nuts. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.