If you are looking for a fresh and vibrant salad to brighten up your meal times, the Apple Salad with Cranberries, Nuts, and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish brings together crisp apples, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy feta cheese in a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s not only a feast for the palate but also a colorful addition to your table that’s simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity — each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced, refreshing dish. From the sweet crunch of apples to the savory bite of feta, here are the essentials that come together effortlessly:
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji): Choose apples that are firm and juicy for the perfect crunch and natural sweetness.
- 1 cup mixed greens or baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy base that complements the fruit.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Provides a crisp texture and subtle herbal notes to balance sweetness.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Offers a chewy, tart burst that contrasts beautifully with the nuts and cheese.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Toasted nuts bring warmth and crunchiness that elevate the salad’s complexity.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Adds a creamy, salty element that melts delightfully in your mouth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: The foundation of the dressing that gently coats the ingredients with richness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a tangy zip that brightens the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup: Balances the acidity and enhances the salad’s natural sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make Apple Salad with Cranberries, Nuts, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Greens
Start by washing your apples and greens thoroughly. Core and thinly slice the apples into bite-sized pieces to ensure each forkful has that delightful crispness without overpowering the other textures. Toss them gently with your mixed greens or baby spinach in a large salad bowl to create a fresh, colorful base.
Step 2: Add the Crunch and Sweetness
Next, chop the celery finely and add it to the bowl along with dried cranberries for a sweet and tart contrast. Sprinkle in your choice of walnuts or pecans—if you have time, toasting them lightly enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch that transforms this simple salad into something memorable.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, then season with salt and pepper. This combination is the soul of the salad’s flavor, marrying the sweet, savory, and tangy notes with every drizzle.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Pour the prepared dressing over your apple and greens mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every ingredient in that irresistible shine and taste. This step is where your salad really starts to come alive.
Step 5: Add the Final Touch
Sprinkle the salad generously with crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving. This creamy cheese creates a perfect counterbalance to the sweetness and adds a luxurious texture to every bite.
How to Serve Apple Salad with Cranberries, Nuts, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider adding a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. These garnishes smell divine and add a subtle brightness that enhances the overall experience of the salad.
Side Dishes
This apple salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light but satisfying meal. It also works beautifully as a refreshing side at picnics or holiday dinners where you want a salad that feels both festive and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls to showcase its vibrant layers, or pile it atop whole grain toast for a trendy, nutritious lunch option. You could even stuff it inside pita pockets or use it as a filling for wraps for a portable salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To prevent the apple slices from browning, consider tossing them with a little lemon juice before storing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the texture of apples, greens, and cheese can be compromised after thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and freshen it up before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a fantastic alternative that offers a creamy texture and tangy flavor very similar to feta. For a milder option, try ricotta salata or even mozzarella, although these will shift the flavor profile.
What nuts work best for this salad?
Walnuts and pecans are traditional favorites because of their natural sweetness and crunch. However, toasted almonds or even pistachios can add an interesting variation while keeping the salad’s texture delightful.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice or apple cider vinegar right after slicing. This simple step prevents oxidation and keeps your salad looking fresh and inviting for longer.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making it easy to adapt without losing flavor.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad right before serving to maintain freshness and crunch. Store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before eating.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Salad with Cranberries, Nuts, and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels simultaneously luxurious and incredibly easy to make. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy that you just can’t get enough of. Whether for a quick lunch or as a star side at your next dinner, I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do.
Print
Apple Salad with Cranberries, Nuts, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian,Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Salad combining crisp apples, mixed greens, and crunchy nuts, dressed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and topped with creamy cheese. This quick and easy no-cook salad makes a perfect light lunch or a delicious side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the salad base: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced apples, mixed greens or baby spinach, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts or pecans. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss the salad to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing without bruising the apples or greens.
- Add cheese and serve: Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese on top of the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the nuts lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor and texture.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken for a more substantial meal or can be enjoyed as a light, refreshing lunch on its own.
- When prepping the salad in advance, toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
