Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors and a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors, the Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad beautifully combines crisp apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese all tossed with fresh mixed greens and a honeyed apple cider vinaigrette. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side, or a fresh addition to your dinner table, this recipe brings brightness and texture to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering straightforward but impactful ingredients is the key to making this salad truly shine. Each component plays a vital role—from the fresh greens that provide crunch and color, to the sweet apples and dried cranberries that add refreshing fruitiness and subtle tang, complemented by the rich walnuts and creamy cheese for texture and depth.

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens: A colorful blend like arugula, spinach, and romaine adds freshness, variety, and a lightly peppery or mild base for the salad.
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced: Crisp and juicy apples bring natural sweetness and a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These add a burst of tartness and chewy texture, enhancing the autumn-inspired flavors.
  • 1/2 cup candied or toasted walnuts: Walnuts offer a satisfying crunch and earthy notes, and toasting or candying them intensifies their flavor.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: The creamy tang from the cheese balances the sweet and nutty elements perfectly.
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Thin slices of red onion add a gentle sharpness and a subtle bite that cuts through the richness.
  • For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt and black pepper to taste—these simple pantry staples combine to make a luscious, lightly sweetened vinaigrette that complements every salad ingredient.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Start by placing your mixed salad greens into a large bowl. These greens give the salad its fresh, leafy foundation. Next, add the thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, walnuts, crumbled cheese, and red onion right on top. This layering sets you up perfectly for the next step.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup for a vegan touch), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, slightly thickened dressing that’s packed with flavor. The mustard helps bring it all together while giving a pleasant tang.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Gently

Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Tossing right before serving keeps the greens crisp and the apples from browning, maintaining that fresh and inviting appearance.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra walnuts or cranberries on top right before serving for added crunch and visual appeal. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint can also elevate the salad with an extra layer of aroma and brightness.

Side Dishes

This salad shines bright as a side alongside roasted poultry, grilled chicken, or even a cozy bowl of butternut squash soup. Its balance of sweet and savory makes it wonderfully versatile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars or clear bowls layered beautifully so the colors pop. You can also pile it onto toasted baguette slices for an upscale salad bruschetta twist, perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine and toss right before eating to preserve the crisp textures and flavors.

Freezing

This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh greens and creamy cheese, which can become watery or lose texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crunch.

Reheating

Since this is a refreshing cold salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature to enjoy all its fresh ingredients at their best.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as alternatives, lending their own unique crunch and flavor to the salad.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative, and make sure to use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

How long does the salad stay fresh after tossing with dressing?

For the best texture and taste, consume the salad within a few hours of dressing it. The greens and apples begin to wilt and brown if left too long.

Can I add protein to make this a meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even chickpeas make excellent protein additions, turning the salad into a satisfying main course.

What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that complement the salad’s other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe a try – it’s a vibrant, delicious way to brighten your meals with fresh, seasonal flavors. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this salad is sure to become one of your favorites for easy, healthy, and gorgeous dishes that make every bite count.

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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 280 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Description

A fresh and vibrant Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad featuring mixed greens, sweet apples, dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a homemade apple cider vinaigrette. Perfectly suited for a light lunch or a festive fall side dish.


Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
  • 1 large apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup candied or toasted walnuts
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens, thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, candied or toasted walnuts, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix the components evenly.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
  3. Dress and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.

Notes

  • For a heartier main course, add grilled chicken or roasted turkey to the salad.
  • To make this salad dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
  • You can swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for variety.

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