Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad: Fresh, Fragrant, and Naturally Sweet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad is a refreshing, lightly spiced dish that brings together crisp fruit, gentle warmth, and natural sweetness in a beautifully balanced way. It is the kind of salad that feels simple yet thoughtful, perfect for everyday meals as well as special gatherings. I first made this salad when I wanted something fresh that still felt cozy, and the touch of cinnamon delivered exactly that. The apples stay crisp, the grapes add juiciness, and the light dressing enhances rather than masks the fruit. This salad works well as a side dish, a light dessert, or even a healthy snack. It requires no cooking, comes together quickly, and appeals to both adults and children. If you enjoy fruit-forward dishes with subtle spice and clean flavors, this Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad is a lovely addition to your table.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ingredients Breakdown

Apples provide crisp texture and natural sweetness. Varieties with a balance of sweet and tart work best.

Red grapes add juiciness and a burst of sweetness that complements the apples.

Lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds gentle acidity to brighten the salad.

Honey or maple syrup adds light sweetness and ties the flavors together.

Ground cinnamon brings warmth and aromatic depth without overpowering the fruit.

Vanilla extract adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

Salt, used sparingly, enhances sweetness and balances the fruit.

Optional chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness.

Optional fresh mint adds brightness and a refreshing finish.

Directions

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Begin by washing and drying the apples and grapes thoroughly. Core the apples and slice them thinly or dice them into bite-sized pieces. Cut the grapes in half if they are large.

Place the apples and grapes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to coat the apples evenly and prevent browning.

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt.

Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon if needed.

Cover and refrigerate the salad for a short time before serving, or serve immediately for maximum crispness. Garnish with nuts or fresh mint just before serving if desired.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 to 15 minutes, with no cooking time required.

Storage/reheating

Store Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir gently before serving. This dish is served cold and does not require reheating.

Variations and Customizations

This salad is very flexible. You can add sliced pears for extra sweetness or swap red grapes for green grapes for a slightly tarter profile. I tested a version with pears, and it blended beautifully with the cinnamon.

For a creamier variation, fold in a small amount of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt just before serving. If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice.

Nuts can be toasted briefly to enhance flavor, and dried cranberries or raisins can be added for extra chew. For a citrus-forward version, replace lemon juice with orange juice.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad is a fruit-based dish rich in fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness. With minimal added sugar and no cooking, it is a wholesome option suitable for light meals, snacks, or healthy sides.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use Crisp Apples
Firm apples hold their texture better after mixing.

Light Cinnamon
A small amount goes a long way and keeps flavors balanced.

Toss Gently
Gentle mixing keeps the fruit looking fresh and intact.

FAQs

What apples work best?

Crisp varieties with balanced sweetness and acidity work best.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it is best enjoyed within one day.

Will the apples turn brown?

Lemon juice helps slow browning effectively.

Can I make this sugar-free?

Yes, omit the honey or maple syrup.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

Yes, the flavors are mild and naturally sweet.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, mild cheeses pair well in small amounts.

Can I use green grapes?

Yes, they add a slightly tangier flavor.

Is cinnamon overpowering?

No, when used lightly it adds warmth without dominance.

Can I add yogurt?

Yes, for a creamier version.

What meals pair well with this?

It pairs well with grilled meats or light lunches.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Apple and Red Grape Salad is a simple yet elegant fruit dish that combines freshness with gentle spice. Crisp, juicy, and lightly sweetened, it is easy to prepare and endlessly versatile, making it a refreshing recipe you can enjoy year-round.

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