apple cranberry walnut salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best apple cranberry walnut salad recipe

I’m so excited to share this apple cranberry walnut salad recipe with you. This salad is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, and it’s incredibly easy to make. The combination of crunchy walnuts, juicy apples, and tart cranberries is just magic.

My family loves it, and I love how versatile it is – it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a dinner side dish, or even as a topping for a charcuterie board. I first discovered this recipe on Pinterest, and I’ve been making it ever since. It’s a great way to use up seasonal produce and add some excitement to your mealtime routine.

As I mentioned earlier, this salad is incredibly easy to make. Simply chop up some fresh apples, cranberries, and walnuts, and mix them together in a bowl. You can also add in some crumbled blue cheese or feta for extra flavor.

The key to making this salad really shine is to use high-quality ingredients – fresh apples and berries are essential for the best flavor. One of the things I love about this salad is how customizable it is. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute in some pecans or hazelnuts instead.

And if you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add in some dried cranberries or cherries for extra sweetness. The possibilities are endless! This salad is also a great way to get in some extra nutrients during the colder months when fresh fruits and veggies can be scarce.

Apples are packed with fiber and antioxidants, while cranberries are rich in vitamin C and potassium. And let’s not forget about the health benefits of walnuts – they’re a great source of omega-3s and heart-healthy fats.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

4.6 from 1748 votes

A refreshing and crunchy salad featuring apples, cranberries, and walnuts. Perfect as a side dish or light meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 300 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens
2 apples, cored and sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Gather and prepare the salad ingredients.
2Wash the mixed greens and pat them dry.
3Core and slice the apples, thinly slice the red onion.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and sliced red onion.
5Toss gently to mix.
6In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
7Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
8Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
9Toss the salad gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
10Serve the salad immediately.
11If not serving right away, store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
12This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but the apples may brown slightly over time.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 300 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 2g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 150mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 20g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For added crunch, toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. You can also add other fruits like pears or grapes for variety.

This apple cranberry walnut salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight meal.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and stores beautifully in the fridge for up to three days.

Try serving it as a side dish at your next dinner party or using it as a topping for your favorite salads or sandwiches.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

No, dried cranberries will not provide the same flavor and texture as fresh cranberries. However, you can use them if you don’t have access to fresh cranberries.

Q: What type of apples should I use?

Any variety of apple will work well in this salad – choose one that’s sweet and crisp.

Q: Can I add other nuts besides walnuts?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of nuts like pecans or hazelnuts.

Q: Is this salad suitable for vegans?

This salad is vegan-friendly as long as you avoid adding any animal-based ingredients like cheese.

Q: Can I store this salad in the fridge overnight?

Yes, but make sure to keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below to prevent spoilage.

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