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
Scale
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.
