Name: Irresistible Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Red Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Drizzle
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491516H49M38S
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped into bite‑sized pieces; 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt (optional, to balance sweetness); 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped; 1–2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

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This Irresistible Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Red Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Drizzle is crisp, juicy, and sweet with just the right touch of warm spice. Fresh apples and grapes are tossed with cinnamon and lemon, topped with toasted pecans, and finished with a light drizzle of honey for a simple yet elegant side dish or light dessert. I love making this when I want something refreshing and naturally sweet with a bit of crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how bright and satisfying this salad is. It’s the perfect balance of fresh fruit, warm spice, and nutty texture—great for holiday tables, brunches, or a quick weekday snack. The cinnamon brings cozy flavor, the grapes add juiciness, and the toasted pecans give it a nutty crunch. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free too, which makes it easy to share with everyone. Irresistible Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Red Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Drizzle

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), chopped
Red grapes, halved
Fresh lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Toasted pecans, roughly chopped
Honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

Directions

I start by chopping the apples into bite-sized pieces and tossing them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning.
I halve the grapes and add them to the bowl with the apples.
I sprinkle the fruit with cinnamon and a small pinch of salt, then toss gently to coat everything evenly.
I toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring often, until they’re fragrant and golden.
I sprinkle the warm toasted pecans over the fruit and finish with a light drizzle of honey just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 3–5 minutes to toast the pecans, so it’s ready in about 15 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add thinly sliced pears or a handful of dried cranberries for more texture and flavor. I’ve also stirred in plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to turn it into a creamy fruit salad. For a little extra crunch, I use granola or sunflower seeds in place of pecans.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit may release some juice over time, so I give it a quick stir before serving again. I don’t recommend freezing this salad or reheating it—it’s meant to be enjoyed cold and fresh. Irresistible Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Red Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Drizzle

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prep the fruit and pecans separately, then combine everything just before serving to keep the texture crisp and the pecans crunchy.

What kind of apples work best?

I like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, but any firm apple will work.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely. I toast chopped walnuts the same way and they add a great earthy flavor too.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be. I use maple syrup instead of honey if I want to keep it fully plant-based.

Can I serve this as a dessert?

Yes, I often serve it with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream to make it feel more like a light dessert.

Conclusion

This Irresistible Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Red Grape Salad with Toasted Pecans and Honey Drizzle is a simple, elegant dish that highlights the natural sweetness and texture of fresh fruit. I love how easy it is to throw together, yet it always feels special. Whether I’m serving it for breakfast, a snack, or as a holiday side, it brings a refreshing and cozy touch to the table.