The Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe is a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic fruit salad that combines crisp apples, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts all brought together with a luscious, tangy Greek yogurt dressing. This salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly savory, making it a fantastic side or light meal that’s as vibrant in taste as it is in color. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, serving it at a potluck, or adding it to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to become a favorite go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe is easy because each component is simple but packs a punch in flavor and texture. You’ll find that every item plays an essential role in creating a balanced, colorful, and fresh dish.
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced: Crisp and juicy, apples provide the perfect crunchy base with natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped: Adds a cool, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle sharpness that wakes up the palate in every bite.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped: These add the perfect crunch and a toasty richness that complements the salad perfectly.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: Sweet and tart, they bring bursts of vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, the yogurt forms the luscious dressing that holds it all together.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries and lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh citrus acidity and prevents the apples from browning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of fresh green that adds a subtle herbal note and makes the salad look as good as it tastes.
How to Make Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by placing the thinly sliced apples, chopped celery, finely diced red onion, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries into a large mixing bowl. This combination sets the foundation with a mix of crisp textures and balanced flavors, ensuring each bite is irresistible.
Step 2: Prepare the Greek Yogurt Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground pepper until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. This dressing is the star of the Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe, combining tangy, sweet, and savory notes that perfectly complement the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour the luscious yogurt dressing over the apple mixture. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or salad tongs to coat every piece evenly without bruising the tender apples. This careful toss ensures each bite delivers layers of flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
For a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top if you like. Then, refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes. The chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, turning this simple salad into a harmonious dish.
How to Serve Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
A few additional garnishes can really elevate your Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe. Consider adding extra toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or parsley to freshen the presentation and deepen the herbal notes.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile as a side. Pair it alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a wholesome lunch or serve it at your next picnic to add a refreshing, healthy contrast to heavier dishes like BBQ ribs or roasted pork.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or on a bed of mixed greens. You could also offer it in small individual cups for a party or potluck — it’s colorful and eye-catching, making it a conversation starter no matter how you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed within the first day so the apples stay crisp and the yogurt dressing remains perfectly creamy.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the texture of fresh apples and the creamy yogurt dressing will change upon thawing, becoming watery and mushy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, give it a gentle stir, add a little extra lemon juice or honey if the flavors have mellowed, and enjoy it chilled for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of yogurt in the Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! While plain Greek yogurt is preferred for its creamy texture and tang, you can substitute with regular plain yogurt or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Just keep in mind the flavor and consistency might change slightly.
What types of apples work best in this salad?
Crunchy and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cranberries and honey in the dressing.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
Yes, but it’s best to mix the apples with the dressing shortly before serving to keep the apples from browning. If preparing earlier, keep the salad components separate and combine them just before guests arrive.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
Definitely! Adding a bit of cooked quinoa or some shredded chicken can transform the salad into a more substantial meal while still keeping it light and fresh.
How can I toast walnuts easily at home?
To toast walnuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe that makes it a joy to prepare and even more delightful to eat. Its brilliant combination of textures and flavors provides a fresh and nourishing dish that’s perfect any time of year. I can’t wait for you to try making it — trust me, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your collection as it has in mine!
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Creamy Apple Cranberry Salad with Walnuts and Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Apple Salad featuring thinly sliced apples, celery, red onion, walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy honey-lemon Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect as a light snack or a side dish, this salad is quick to prepare and offers a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the thinly sliced apples, chopped celery, finely diced red onion, toasted and chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries, ensuring even distribution of all components.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat every ingredient evenly without bruising the apples.
- Garnish the salad: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
- Chill before serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and serve cool for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Choose crisp apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust honey amount if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.
- Can be served immediately but tastes best after chilling.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for variation.
