Chopped Apple Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

When the weather cools down and apples start filling the kitchen, I find myself reaching for them in more than just sweet recipes. This chopped apple salad is a simple way to enjoy them with savory ingredients, and the combination is surprisingly satisfying.

Crisp apple, sharp cheddar, crunchy pecans, chewy dates, and fresh celery are all chopped together into small pieces, so you get a little bit of everything in every bite. The maple Dijon dressing brings it all together with a balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

It’s quick enough for an easy lunch or hearty snack but simple enough to turn into a full meal with some roasted chicken. I like serving it with crackers or slices of toasted baguette for a simple meal that doesn’t require much cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Chopped Apple Salad

This is one of those salads that doesn’t feel like you’re eating a pile of lettuce. Everything is chopped small, so the apple, cheddar, dates, pecans, and celery all work together in every bite.

It’s also incredibly flexible. You can make a small bowl for yourself or prepare a larger batch for lunch. Add roasted chicken when you want something more filling, or keep it simple and serve it alongside soup, sandwiches, or a loaf of homemade bread.

The maple Dijon dressing is simple, too. It takes just a few ingredients and gives the whole salad a bright, slightly sweet finish.

Ingredients Needed

Salad

Apple
Celery
Sharp cheddar
Dates
Toasted or candied pecans

Maple Dijon Dressing

Extra virgin olive oil
Apple cider vinegar
Maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Salt
Black pepper

Optional

Roasted chicken
Crackers
Baguette

Equipment Needed

Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Small bowl
Whisk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Core and quarter the apple. Cut the celery, cheddar, dates, and pecans into pieces small enough to easily scoop up together.

Step 2: Chop Everything Together
Place the apple, celery, cheddar, dates, and pecans on a large cutting board. Chop everything together into small pieces, continuing until the ingredients are evenly mixed and roughly the same size.

Step 3: Make the Maple Dijon Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well combined.

Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the chopped salad and toss until everything is lightly coated.

Step 5: Make It a Meal
For a more filling meal, add sliced or chopped roasted chicken. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette on the side.

Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately while the apples and celery are crisp and fresh.

Tips & Tricks

McIntosh apples work beautifully in this salad, but you can use whatever crisp apple you have on hand.

Chopping everything into small pieces is what makes this salad work. Try to keep the ingredients fairly similar in size.

Toast the pecans yourself if you have a few extra minutes. They add a deeper flavor and extra crunch.

Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in the dressing and add more if you prefer it sweeter.

Add the dressing just before serving to keep the apples and celery crisp.

Variations

Use candied pecans for a sweeter salad or toasted pecans for a more savory version.

Try a different sharp cheese such as aged white cheddar.

Add roasted chicken to turn the salad into a complete meal.

Swap the dates for dried cranberries or raisins.

Add a handful of fresh greens if you’d like to stretch the salad a little further.

Storage & Leftovers

This salad is best eaten soon after dressing.

If preparing ahead, chop the salad ingredients and store them separately from the dressing. Toss everything together just before serving.

Store leftover dressed salad in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1 day for the best texture.

This is the kind of little snack I love having around when I’m hungry but don’t need a full meal. It’s a simple way to get something fresh and nourishing, with fruit, crunchy nuts, and a little sharp cheddar for protein and staying power.

The apples and dates give it a touch of sweetness, while the cheddar and pecans add plenty of flavor and texture. Add a few crackers or a piece of toasted baguette, and you have a healthy little snack that feels much more satisfying than reaching for something packaged.

Watch me make this recipe here:

Print