Ingredients

  • 34 cup golden raisin
  • 14 cup water
  • 13 cup mayonnaise (you can use reduced-fat mayonnaise...I don't! Hellmann's is my favorite)
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3 granny smith apples, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 gala apples or 3 braeburn apples, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 celery ribs, chopped fine
  • 34 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
  • salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Method

  • Combine the raisins and water in a small bowl.
  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave until the water begins to boil, about 1 minute (of course, you can always pour a 1/4 cup of boiling water over the raisins, too).
  • Let stand until the raisins are soft and the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes.
  • Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, and honey in a large bowl.
  • Add the diced apples, chopped celery, toasted and chopped walnuts, and plumped raisins to the bowl and toss until well coated.
  • Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
  • (The salad can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • ).