Apple Radish Salad Recipe – Walnuts & Cinnamon Delight

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Radish Salad Recipe – Walnuts & Cinnamon Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a little different, a little unexpected, and so delicious. I first stumbled upon a version of this salad years ago at a friend’s potluck, and it was an instant hit. The combination of sweet apples, peppery radish, and warm spices is just… magical. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a festive addition to your holiday table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Radish Salad isn’t your average fruit salad. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will wake up your taste buds. The crispness of the apples and radish, the crunch of the walnuts, and the creamy mayonnaise all come together beautifully. Plus, the cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, comforting touch that makes it extra special. It’s quick, easy, and seriously addictive!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing salad:

• 2.25 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium)
• 2 tablespoons grated radish (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 5 tablespoons chopped toasted walnuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped celery
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 2 pinches ground cinnamon
• 2 pinches grated nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed black pepper

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients and how to get the most out of them:

• Radish: Don’t skip the radish if you can help it! It adds a lovely peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the apples. It’s not traditionally used in all Indian salads, but it’s gaining popularity for its fresh flavor. You can find different varieties – red radishes are the most common, but daikon radish works well too for a milder flavor.
• Apples: I prefer using slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but you can use your favorite! Just make sure they’re crisp and hold their shape well.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices are what really elevate this salad. A little goes a long way, so start with a pinch and add more to taste. In some North Indian desserts, you’ll find this spice combination used frequently – it’s a classic pairing!
• Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts really brings out their flavor. You can do this in a dry pan on the stovetop for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some salad!

1. First, grab a mixing bowl and add your chopped apples and grated radish.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and give it a good mix. This prevents the apples from browning and adds a nice tang.
3. Now, stir in those lovely toasted walnuts and chopped celery.
4. In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix well until everything is nicely coated.
5. Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the apple mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Finally, garnish with a little extra celery and walnuts before serving. Doesn’t that look pretty?

Expert Tips

• For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Don’t overmix the salad, or the apples will get mushy.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Everyone’s palate is different!
• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped celery and toasted walnuts.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level – Mild: Reduce the black pepper to a pinch, or omit it altogether.
• Festival Adaptations: This salad makes a fantastic side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas! You can add a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your mayonnaise is also gluten-free.
• Vegan: Easily make this vegan by using vegan mayonnaise. My friend, Priya, swears by using cashew-based mayo – it adds a lovely richness.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:

• Serve it as a light lunch with a side of whole-wheat crackers.
• Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Bring it to your next potluck or picnic – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
• Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish with your favorite Indian meal.

Storage Instructions

Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best served immediately, as the apples may soften over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is this salad best served immediately? Yes, it’s definitely best when fresh! The apples will stay crisper and the flavors will be more vibrant.
• Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would all work well.
• What kind of apples work best in this salad? Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my go-to, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can chop the apples, radish, celery, and walnuts ahead of time and store them separately. But I recommend mixing everything together just before serving.
• What does the radish add to the flavor profile? The radish adds a lovely peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the apples and creates a more complex flavor. It’s a surprisingly delicious addition!

Enjoy! I hope you love this Apple Radish Salad as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it, and what you think!