If you love fresh, crisp flavors combined with a wonderful balance of sweet and tart, then the Sweet and Tangy Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to salad. This vibrant mix marries crunchy apples with crunchy walnuts and chewy cranberries, all brought together by a luscious, creamy dressing that has just the right zing. It’s a salad that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat, perfect for brightening up any meal or even enjoying as a light lunch on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this salad is a delight because each one plays a crucial role in building its character. Simple, fresh, and easy to find, these ingredients make every bite a wonderful mix of textures and flavors.
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for the perfect crunch and balanced sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped: Adds a refreshing crispness and subtle peppery notes to the salad.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a mild sharpness that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped: Bring a deep nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to the mix.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These add pops of chewy sweetness and a lovely ruby-red color.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creates a creamy base for the dressing while keeping the salad light.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright tang that lifts the entire salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A dash of greenery that adds an herbaceous freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Sweet and Tangy Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by taking a large mixing bowl and tossing in the thinly sliced apples, chopped celery, finely diced red onion, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. This colorful blend is the heart of the salad and sets the stage for the dressing to tie everything together beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is where the sweet and tangy magic happens, offering a silky coating that perfectly complements the crunchy ingredients.
Step 3: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over your apple mixture and gently toss everything together. The goal here is to evenly coat every bite without turning the salad into mush. Be gentle but thorough, making sure the dressing is well distributed.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
If you like, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for that pop of green and extra burst of freshness. Then, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This resting time allows all those bright, lovely flavors to marry and intensify.
How to Serve Sweet and Tangy Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet perfect garnish for this salad. If you want to get creative, try adding a few extra walnut halves or a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance the autumnal vibe. A drizzle of extra honey on top can also add a little sweetness that shines visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a light, healthy meal. It also stands up well alongside buttery dinner rolls or a hearty soup for a balanced lunch or dinner combo. The mix of sweet, tart, and crunchy really complements savory mains brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to make this salad the star at a gathering? Serve it in hollowed-out apples or in small decorative glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. Layered parfait-style in glasses is another fun option, alternating salad and dressing layers for a visually stunning presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 1 to 2 days. Keep in mind the apples might brown slightly over time; tossing with a bit more lemon juice before serving can freshen it up.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh apples and creamy yogurt, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would affect the texture of the apples and cause the dressing to separate once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Just give it a gentle stir if it’s been refrigerated and serve immediately for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and provide a similar crunch and nuttiness. Toast them lightly to bring out the flavor.
What kind of apples are best for this salad?
Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well and offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart for this dish.
Is it okay to substitute Greek yogurt with another dairy product?
You can use sour cream or regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thickness and tang are ideal. If using thinner yogurt, consider draining it slightly to avoid a runny dressing.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and chill it. Just be mindful that the apples may slightly brown, so adding extra lemon juice helps keep them bright.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. The salad will still be deliciously sweet and tangy!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Sweet and Tangy Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe—it’s fresh, vibrant, and full of delightful contrasts that dance on your tongue. Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday lunch or a festive potluck, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and happy taste buds. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Sweet and Tangy Apple Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and healthy Apple Salad featuring crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and tangy dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with a hint of honey and lemon. Perfect as a light snack or a side dish.
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Other Ingredients
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples, chopped celery, diced red onion, toasted chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries until well combined.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the yogurt dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the apples.
- Garnish: Add fresh parsley on top if desired to enhance the visual appeal and add a fresh herbaceous note.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully for a more vibrant taste.
Notes
- To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before combining with other ingredients.
- For added richness, substitute some or all of the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise.
- Walnuts can be replaced with pecans or almonds for variation.
- This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt and substitute honey with maple syrup.
