If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant way to celebrate the flavors of fall, the Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe is a true winner that never fails to impress. This salad combines crisp apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnut halves, and a zesty apple cider vinaigrette to create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or preparing a colorful holiday side, this recipe brings a delightful medley of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this salad so irresistible.
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix or romaine): A fresh, crisp base for the salad that adds vibrant green color and a variety of textures.
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced: Sweet and juicy, these apples bring a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries: Their tartness provides a burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet apples.
- 1/2 cup walnut halves (toasted if desired): Adds a rich, buttery crunch that elevates the salad’s texture and flavor complexity.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional): Creamy and tangy, cheese adds a luxurious depth to the salad.
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional): Offers subtle sharpness and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pepitas (optional): These tiny seeds add an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss with apples): Prevents apples from browning while adding a little brightness.
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and complements the fall flavors perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the dressing a subtle kick and helps emulsify the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of warmth and depth to round out the dressing.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts (Optional)
If you want your walnuts to shine with even more flavor, toasting them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes is the way to go. This simple step releases their natural oils and intensifies their nutty aroma. Remember to shake the pan often so they toast evenly, then let them cool before adding to your salad.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
Next, create the dressing by combining extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified. This dressing sets the tone for the entire salad with its bright yet balanced flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
Thinly slice your choice of crisp apples and immediately toss them with lemon juice. This is a clever trick that not only adds a fresh citrus note but also helps prevent the apples from browning, keeping your salad looking fresh and inviting.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine your mixed greens, lemon-tossed apples, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and thinly sliced red onion if you like a little extra punch. Each ingredient brings something unique, so mix them gently to blend the textures and colors beautifully.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the dressing over the salad gradually, tossing gently after each addition. This technique ensures every bite is lightly coated without overwhelming the delicate greens. If using, sprinkle on crumbled feta or goat cheese and sunflower seeds or pepitas, then toss once more for even distribution.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give your salad a final taste and tweak it to your preference. A pinch more salt or pepper can brighten the flavors, and if you crave extra sweetness, a small drizzle of honey will do the trick. Serve immediately for the freshest experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add a lovely herbal aroma and brighten each bite. You can also scatter additional nuts or seeds on top for extra crunch and a polished presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled turkey, or even a hearty grain bowl. It’s versatile enough to complement lighter meals or stand out at festive gatherings alongside warm bread or savory pies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or in individual mason jars layered for a grab-and-go option. Adding edible flowers or arranging the ingredients in colorful stripes on a platter can transform this humble salad into a show-stopper at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover salad fresh by storing the components separately. Keep the dressing in a sealed container, and refrigerate the apples in lemon juice to prevent browning. Combine everything just before serving to maintain crispness and optimal flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as greens and apples won’t hold up well once thawed. However, you can freeze leftover dressing for later use in other dishes.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not needed or advised. Simply give it a gentle toss and enjoy cold, as the crisp textures and bright flavors work best chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios can be fantastic substitutes and each will bring their own unique flavor and crunch to your Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, the salad is naturally vegan-friendly if you skip the feta or goat cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The dressing ingredients are all vegan unless you choose honey, in which case maple syrup is a great substitute.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Simply toss the sliced apples in lemon juice right after cutting. The acidity slows down the oxidation process, preserving their fresh look and taste for hours.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Definitely. All the ingredients in this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe are gluten-free by nature, so it’s a great option for those avoiding gluten without any special modifications.
What types of apples work best?
Crisp and sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their texture well and complement the sweet and tangy elements of the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the combination of crisp apples, juicy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts that feels both comforting and refreshing. The Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal flavors with minimal effort yet maximum deliciousness. I hope you find joy in preparing and sharing this salad as much as I do—it’s a bright spot on any table and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad offers a fresh, crisp combination of mixed greens, sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light, nutritious meal or a vibrant side dish, this salad balances textures and flavors with optional feta cheese and sunflower seeds for added depth.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (spring mix or romaine)
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnut halves (toasted if desired)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or pepitas (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss with apples)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: Warm a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the walnuts for 3 to 5 minutes, shaking the pan often until they’re fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Apples: Thinly slice the apples and immediately toss them with the lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them fresh and crisp.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, lemon-coated apples, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and sliced red onion if using.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing gradually over the salad and toss gently until everything is lightly coated. Add crumbled feta or goat cheese and sunflower seeds if desired, then toss again to distribute evenly.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a bit more honey for sweetness if preferred. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest textures.
Notes
- For a more substantial salad, add cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas for protein.
- Walnuts can be swapped with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Use blue cheese instead of feta or goat cheese for a bolder taste.
- To prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate and add apples just before serving to maintain their crispness.
