Apple Walnut Raisin Recipe – Easy Indian-Inspired Salad

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Apple Walnut Raisin Recipe – Easy Indian-Inspired Salad

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this super simple, yet incredibly delicious Apple Walnut Raisin Salad with you. It’s a recipe I stumbled upon while looking for lighter, fresher sides to enjoy with our meals, and it’s quickly become a family favorite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck, or even as a little something special alongside your favorite Indian dishes. Trust me, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is seriously the best of both worlds – sweet, crunchy, and creamy, all in one bite! It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking time (basically none!). Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add some fruit and healthy fats to your diet. I love how versatile it is too; you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful salad:

• 2 hard apples (Royal Gala)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 0.5 cup chopped celery
• 0.33 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 tbsp raisins
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp yogurt
• Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Choosing the right apple is key. I prefer Royal Gala for their sweetness and firm texture, but feel free to experiment. In India, you’ll often find this salad made with locally grown varieties like Kashmiri apples, known for their crispness.

Now, about the yogurt! I love using yogurt instead of cream – it keeps things light and adds a lovely tang. It’s a little trick I learned from my mom. You can use any plain yogurt you like, but I find Greek yogurt gives it a particularly nice thickness. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount to get your desired consistency.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s so easy, you’ll be enjoying this salad in minutes.

1. First, peel and chop those apples into small, bite-sized cubes. Don’t forget to toss them with a teaspoon of lemon juice right away. This prevents them from turning brown and keeps them looking fresh and appealing.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins. Give it a good mix to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
3. Now, let’s make the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – everyone’s palate is different!
4. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss until everything is nicely coated. Be careful not to overmix, or the apples might get mushy.
5. And that’s it! Serve immediately for the best crunch and freshness.

Expert Tips

• For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the salad. It really brings out their nutty aroma.
• If you’re prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy.
• Don’t skimp on the lemon juice! It’s essential for keeping the apples from browning.

Variations

This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Vegan Adaptation: Swap the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative and use your favorite vegan yogurt. It’s just as delicious!
• Spice Level: Add a tiny pinch of chaat masala to the dressing for a little zing. My friend, Priya, swears by this – it adds a lovely Indian twist.
• Festival Adaptation: This salad is a wonderful side dish to serve with Diwali snacks. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richer sweets.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without any worries!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic on its own as a light lunch or snack. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, fish, or even alongside your favorite Indian curries and rice. It pairs particularly well with biryani!

Storage Instructions

While this salad is best enjoyed immediately, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Keep in mind that the apples may lose some of their crunch over time.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

• Is this salad best served immediately? Yes, absolutely! It’s at its crunchiest and freshest right after it’s made.
• Can I use different types of nuts? Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even cashews would all be delicious substitutes for walnuts.
• What kind of apples work best? Royal Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are all great choices. You want an apple that’s firm and holds its shape well.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend adding the dressing just before serving.
• How can I adjust the sweetness? If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of raisins or use a tart apple variety.

I really hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does! Let me know in the comments if you try it and what you think. Happy cooking!