Candied Apple Salad
Candied Apple Salad is a retro, sweet side dish or dessert salad, popular in the mid-20th century American Midwest and South. It typically features diced apples, celery, and sometimes pineapple or marshmallows, all tossed in a sweet, creamy dressing often made with mayonnaise, sugar, and sometimes a touch of lemon juice. It's a nostalgic dish that blends crunchy fruit with a rich, sweet coating.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in carbohydrates and sugar, primarily from the apples and added sweeteners, with a moderate amount of fat from the creamy dressing. A typical serving provides a quick energy boost and some key nutrients like Vitamin C and potassium from the apples, but it is generally considered an indulgent treat rather than a nutrient-dense food, with a rough calorie ballpark of 250-350 kcal per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 3.5 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 190 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 IU |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
| Iron | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin K | 3 µg |
| Manganese | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Candied Apple Salad is a fascinating example of the mid-century American 'salad' tradition, where sweet, creamy, and crunchy elements were combined into dishes served alongside savory meals. Nutritionally, it's unique for pairing the natural fiber and vitamins of fresh apples with a high-sugar, high-fat dressing, creating a contrast between its wholesome base ingredients and its indulgent preparation.
