Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad

Serves: 4  |  Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Total Time: 15 minutes

Introduction

Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing, vibrant dish that celebrates crisp textures, sweet-tart flavors, and nutritious ingredients—all tossed together in a bright homemade dressing. This Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad brings the perfect balance of crunch from toasted walnuts, juiciness from fresh apples, and a burst of flavor from dried cranberries. It’s the kind of salad that feels comforting yet light, making it ideal for family dinners, holiday tables, or meal prep. What makes this recipe special is the combination of texture and natural sweetness. Quick tip: toss the apples in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning and maintain their fresh color.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (about 300 g)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (120 g)
• 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped (100 g)
• 4 cups mixed greens or spinach (120 g)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (75 g)
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (25 g)

For the Dressing

• 3 tbsp olive oil (45 ml)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (15 ml)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 g)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples: Thinly slice the apples, removing the core but keeping the skin for color and texture. Toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them crisp and bright.
2. Toast the Walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant and lightly golden. Allow them to cool before adding to the salad so they stay crunchy.
3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, add the greens or spinach, sliced apples, dried cranberries, feta, and red onion. Layering these ingredients helps the salad look vibrant and well-balanced.
4. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. The dressing should be tangy with a hint of sweetness.
5. Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients without crushing the apples or feta. Add the toasted walnuts last to maintain their crunch.
6. Serve Fresh: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and assemble the salad right before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this salad ahead for meal prep?

Yes. Store the greens, apples, cranberries, and walnuts separately. Add the dressing only when serving to keep everything crisp. If slicing apples ahead, toss them with extra lemon juice.

Q2: What type of apples work best?

Crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala work beautifully. Avoid soft apples as they can become mushy in the salad.

Q3: Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or salmon pair perfectly with the sweet-tart flavors. For a vegetarian option, try adding quinoa or chickpeas.

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