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Charoset (Apple and Walnut Salad)

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LIZ DELLA CROCE

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Traditionally served on the Passover Seder plate, charoset is an apple and walnut salad made with sweet honey and red wine.

spoonful of charoset, apple walnut salad for passover

Passover is a Jewish springtime celebration of the exodus from Egypt, where they were freed from slavery. We metaphorically retell this story at the beginning of Passover with 6 different food items.

bowl of charoset, apple walnut salad served at passover seder

Items on the Passover Seder Plate

  • Bitter herbs represent the hard times endured by the Jewish people during their slavery.
  • Charoset, this recipe, represents the brick and mortar used by the Hebrew slaves to build Egyptian pyramids.
  • Parsley, or another green vegetable, represents hope and renewal but is dipped in saltwater to represent tears.
  • Roasted chicken neck or shankbone to represent the sacrificial lamb at the temple in Jerusalem.
  • Roasted or hard-boiled egg is a symbol of mourning, traditionally served at funerals.
  • Matzo is a flat, cracker-like bread that we eat during Passover. It serves as a reminder that the Hebrews fled Egypt so quickly, they could not wait for their bread to rise before leaving.
washing apples

The story told at Passover Seder is one of sadness and triumph, and these symbolic foods are part of the ceremony that tells this liberation story of the Jewish people.

dicing apples

There are many variations of Charoset, an apple and walnut salad made with sweet honey and red wine. Often it is made with shredded apples and mixed into a paste that represents brick and mortar. However, my recipe uses chopped apples and walnuts instead for a crunchier texture that’s easier to enjoy.

mixing charoset in a bowl

How to make Charoset

Charoset is traditionally served on the Passover Seder plate, but you can serve it anytime! We’ll start first with chopped apples. You can choose any variety you like.

cutting apples

You can buy walnuts chopped already, but I like to chop them myself to get the consistency I prefer. Either way is fine. Some people also like to toast their walnuts first. If you do that, just 10 minutes at 325 degrees will do the trick.

chopping walnuts

Add in the sweet honey. You can feel free to adjust to taste depending on the apples you choose. For example, tart granny smith apples might require extra honey.

adding honey to charoset

Of course I prefer using Manischewitz red wine for my Charoset, but if you can’t find it, a ruby port or sweet red will do just fine.

adding wine to charoset

After mixing it all together, you can serve immediately or cool in the fridge overnight. Be sure to mix well again right before serving as the liquid often seeps to the bottom.

Stirring charoset in a bowl

I will warn you – you won’t find two families that agree on all of these ingredients! Some friends like sugar, and others raisins. Many people prefer it chopped by hand, but some in a food processor. Still, others add figs or citrus zest or any number of secret family ingredients. To me, that’s the best part of a cultural family recipe: everyone’s got their own special version.

vertical bowl of charoset

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Charoset?

Charoset is one of the 6 symbolic foods served on the seder plate at the beginning of Passover. Each food item represents the exodus story of the Jewish people escaping slavery in Egypt.

What is a Passover Seder?

Passover is a springtime Jewish celebration of the exodus story when the Jewish people escaped slavery in Egypt.

Do you eat the food on a Seder plate?

Yes, but they are tasted as part of the ceremony and storytelling.

Does it matter what apples I choose?

Not at all. Use what you have!

What if I don’t have Manischewitz, can I use any red wine?

I recommend something sweet, like ruby port.

I’m not Jewish. Can I eat Charoset?

Yes of course! If you’re invited to a Passover Seder, by all means participate. Regardless, you can absolutely make and eat this recipe at any time of year.

Do you have other Jewish recipes I can try?

Sure do! “Jewish penicillin” aka Matzo Ball Soup, along with Challah Bread, are two of my more popular recipes. I also have a cookbook called Food from our Ancestors: The Ultimate Jewish Cookbook that has even more family recipes that I have written down to share.

Whether or not you’re Jewish, you can enjoy this apple and walnut salad any time of year. It’s crunchy and delicious.

Liz eating charoset

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horizontal charoset bowl

Charoset (Apple and Walnut Salad)

5 stars average
Liz Della Croce
Traditionally served on the Passover Seder plate, charoset is an apple and walnut salad made with sweet honey and red wine.
PREP: 5 minutes
TOTAL: 5 minutes
Pin
Servings8

Ingredients
 

  • 3 red apples (any variety, cored and diced)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • cup honey
  • ¼ cup red wine (such as Manischewitz)

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a large bowl and toss well. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Last Step:

Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps us to continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.

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Liz’s Notes

This recipe tastes even better the next day so feel free to prep-ahead!

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg


5 from 8 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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5 responses to “Charoset (Apple and Walnut Salad)”

  1. Yolan Avatar
    Yolan

    Thank you for this lovely and simple Seder salad. I am attending a Seder dinner this evening and I want to provide authentic food🩷

  2. Lady Frau Avatar
    Lady Frau

    Thank you for sharing. I don’t ever remember learning this recipe. But one year when I was recovering from a horrible injury. I didn’t have much food so I cooked sliced apples in a frying pan and then added walnuts and sugar. My roommates thought it was the best they have ever had… it was Passover time and none of us had had any Jewish traditions to fall back on. BUT God.
    Today for snacks I put walnuts in apple sauce.

  3. P Avatar
    P

    Thank you so much for sharing! My best friend I grew up with was Jewish and I remember her mother making this. I just remembered the apple mixture and the crackers. I loved that they always included me in their traditions. I still tell my children today about all the neat traditions her family did. Thank you for your help & explaining everything because now I can make this at Passover and tell them about it too. Hugs ☺️

  4. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    I’ve been looking for something that would work as a healthy dessert to serve with Israeli fish cakes (from Tori Avey) and this looks like a winner. We’re not Jewish, but love food from all over the world. Might sub verjus rouge for the wine though, as I’m planning on serving to kids.

    1. Liz DellaCroce Avatar
      Liz DellaCroce

      Oh yes this is a great idea! I hope you love it!