Fresh Picks for Fall : 3 Creative and Healthy Apple Recipes

Apples are Michigan’s largest fruit crop, producing more than 900 million pounds per year, according to Michigan State University Extension.

An apple, high in fiber and polyphenols, may keep the doctor away. Research has associated nutrients in apples with lower risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. The high fiber content helps regulate digestion and maintain a healthy weight, while polyphenols—natural compounds with antioxidant properties—aid in combatting inflammation and supporting heart health.

Try one of these recipes featuring crisp, sweet apples:

Fall Harvest Honeycrisp Salad in a Jar

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2

This salad in a jar recipe showcases fall flavors from Honeycrisp apples and pumpkin seeds. The layered nature of the salad ensures freshness and makes it perfect for meal prep. Enjoy this seasonal salad as a nutritious lunch on-the-go or a light, easy dinner.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup vinaigrette of choice, such as a thyme vinaigrette
• 1/3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/3 cup quinoa, cooked
• 8 oz grilled chicken or chickpeas
• Honeycrisp apple, cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
• 3 cups salad greens, such as baby spring mix

Instructions:

1. Prepare two large mason jars. In each jar, add 2 tablespoons of dressing followed by half the cherry tomatoes, quinoa, feta cheese, Honeycrisp apples, chicken, pumpkin seeds and salad greens.
2. Try to keep the jar in an upright position before serving to avoid the dressing coming in contact with the salad greens to maintain freshness. When ready to serve, simply leave the lid on and shake.

Honeycrisp Tuna Melt

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 10 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Serves: 2

In this twist on a familiar favorite, Honeycrisp apples and celery add sweetness and crunch to a sweet and spicy tuna melt. Whole wheat bread provides a hearty and fiber-rich base for melty Swiss cheese, juicy Campari tomatoes and crisp iceberg lettuce. Simply toast the bread, flip, add the cheese to allow it to melt and top with the rest of the ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet and spicy tuna package
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise
• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• Spray oil
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 Campari tomato, thinly sliced
• 4 iceberg lettuce leaves
• 1/2 Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, add spicy tuna package, light mayonnaise and celery. Mix until well combined.
2. Heat a large pan to medium. Add spray oil. Once hot, add bread slices.
3. Once one side of the bread is golden, flip then add cheese to two of the slices to allow it to melt.
4. Once cheese is melted, add tuna mixture, tomato slices, lettuce leaves and sliced apples. Add the top bread then cut diagonally. Enjoy!

Healthier Turtle Apple Pops

Difficulty: Easy

Prep time: 20 minutes

Total time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

This recipe reimagines indulgent caramel apples as a lighter, more wholesome option. Apple slices are lightly dipped in a dark chocolate, then drizzled with a light coat of caramel and topped with walnuts. These skewered treats offer the classic caramel apple flavor with fewer calories and less sugar. 

Ingredients:

• 4 Honeycrisp apples
• Popsicle sticks
• ½ cup Dark chocolate chips (60% cocoa)
• ¼ cup caramel
• 3 Tbsp. walnuts, chopped
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, optional.

Instructions:

1. Slice apples into 1/2-inch thick slices.
2. Place a popsicle stick into the bottom of the apple slices. Skip the piece with the core.
3. In a microwaveable safe bowl. Add chocolate chips and microwave at 1-minute intervals, stirring each time until melted.
4. Dip the top of the apple pops in dark chocolate, then drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
5. Add pops to a parchment paper-lined plate and place in the fridge until hardened. 
6. Optional, if planning to store, brush lemon juice on the exposed part of the apple to promote freshness. Store in fridge covered for up to 4 days. 

Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family. For more recipes and health information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.