Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad

Name: Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (any variety you prefer); 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad—it perfectly balances sweetness and crunch! Every bite of the crisp apples, combined with a sprinkle of cinnamon, brings a delightful flavor explosion that's refreshing yet comforting. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s versatile enough to be served as a light dessert or a healthy snack. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a casual picnic, this recipe is always a hit with its simple ingredients and quick preparation time. I know you’ll enjoy it just as much as I do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:19:28.631Z

When I first made this recipe, I was looking for a way to use up some apples that were just a bit too soft for eating raw. To my surprise, the combination of crunchy nuts and a sprinkling of cinnamon transformed them into a mouthwatering salad that became a family favorite. Now, I whip it up regularly, and it never fails to impress!

One tip I've learned is to mix the dressing right before serving to keep the apples crisp and fresh. Consider adding a dash of lemon juice to prevent browning if you're making it ahead of time. Your guests will be raving about this salad!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp apples coated in a sweet cinnamon dressing
Quick and easy preparation in just 10 minutes
Perfectly refreshing for any occasion

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apple you choose plays a crucial role in the flavor and texture of your Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad. For a balance of sweetness and tartness, I recommend using varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Honeycrisp offers a crisp bite while Granny Smith adds tanginess. If you prefer a sweeter salad, go for Fuji or Gala apples. Aim for medium-sized apples to ensure even slicing and convenience when tossing your salad.

When selecting apples, look for ones that are firm and free of bruises. A little pressure should yield a slight give, indicating freshness. As a tip, if you notice any browning after cutting, a quick toss with lemon juice will not only preserve the apple's color but also enhance the overall taste of the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad is versatile enough to be served in various settings. For a light dessert, consider garnishing it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add creaminess. Alternatively, serve it as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. Pairing it with grilled chicken or pork can bring out the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.

If you're planning to take this salad on a picnic, pack the apple mixture separately from the dressing and nuts to maintain their crunch. Just toss everything together right before serving to keep the texture fresh and appealing. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded coconut or dried cranberries for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Although this salad tastes best when freshly made, you can prepare components in advance to make assembly quicker. Slice the apples up to a few hours ahead of time, but be sure to toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. The nuts can be chopped and stored in an airtight container for a few days, and the dressing can be mixed ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using it.

If you want a more decadent version of the salad, consider adding mini marshmallows or chocolate chips for a fun twist. This approach allows you to customize the salad based on the preferences of your guests or family, creating a unique and delightful experience every time.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad:

Ingredients

4 medium apples (any variety you prefer)
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Combine all the ingredients for a delightful and healthy salad.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad:

Prepare the Apples

Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Core and slice them into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on for extra texture and color.

Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the honey or maple syrup with the ground cinnamon. Stir until well-blended, creating a sweet and aromatic dressing.

Combine Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, toss the apple slices with the chopped nuts and the dressing. Ensure the apples are well-coated for the best flavor.

Serve

If desired, drizzle a little lemon juice over the salad to enhance freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Now you have a delicious Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad ready to delight your taste buds!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try using different types of apples or adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. This salad also pairs wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt for creaminess.

Storage and Freshness

If you have leftovers, store the Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy the crisp texture of the apples and the flavors of the dressing. After a day, the apples may start to lose their crunch, and the dressing could become too soggy. If you anticipate leftovers, consider making half the recipe to avoid waste.

For longer preservation, avoid mixing the dressing and chopped nuts with the apples until you're ready to serve. By keeping components separate, you’ll maintain a fresher taste and pleasing texture for more than a day.

Nut Variations

While walnuts and pecans are the recommended nuts in this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other varieties like slivered almonds or chopped macadamia nuts if you prefer different flavors or textures. Each nut will bring its own nutty essence, complementing the sweetness of the apples and the warmth of the cinnamon.

Ensure nuts are toasted to enhance their flavor further. To toast nuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the nuts, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. This simple step can elevate the overall taste of your salad.

Cinnamon Alternatives

Cinnamon is a key player in this salad, offering a warm, sweet spice that complements the apples beautifully. However, if you want to experiment with different flavors, consider using apple pie spice or even a pinch of nutmeg for depth. Just keep in mind that these substitutes will change the flavor profile, and it might be a good idea to start with a small amount and adjust according to your taste.

If you're not a fan of spice, omitting the cinnamon altogether will yield a taste that allows the refreshing apple flavor to shine through. For an added twist, try substituting part of the honey or maple syrup with a splash of vanilla extract to enhance sweetness without altering the salad's essence.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

For the best texture, prepare the salad right before serving. If you need to make it ahead, mix the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.

→ What types of apples work best?

You can use any variety, but I recommend crisp apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.

→ Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Sweet Cinnamon Apple Salad is naturally gluten-free as it contains no grains or gluten-containing ingredients.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely! If you have nut allergies, feel free to substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.