Creamy Crunch Apple & Pecan Salad

Ingredients

Salad Base:

 2 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples, cored and chopped

 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped

 1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved

 1 cup celery, finely diced

 3/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped

 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise/sour cream)

 1/4 cup cream cheese or light mayonnaise, softened

 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (prevents apple browning)

 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese (or mayonnaise), honey, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and creamy.

2. Combine Fruit & Crunch: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped apples, halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.

3. Toss Together: Pour the creamy dressing over the fruit mixture. Gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Chill & Serve: Serve immediately, or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving / 6 Servings)

 Calories: ~210 kcal

 Protein: 4g

Health Benefits

 Rich in Antioxidants: Apples, grapes, and cranberries supply natural polyphenols and vitamin C that support immune health.

 Heart-Healthy Fats & Fiber: Pecans provide healthy unsaturated fats, while apples and celery add dietary fiber to support digestion.

 Lighter Creamy Base: Using Greek yogurt in the dressing cuts down on heavy fat while adding a subtle protein boost and gut-friendly probiotics.

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