Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad combines crisp apples, chewy dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and mixed greens in a sweet-tangy vinaigrette for autumnal freshness. Ready in 15 minutes, it’s a versatile side for holidays or lunches.

Why This Recipe Works

• Apples provide juicy crunch balancing tart cranberries.
• Toasted walnuts add nutty depth and texture.
• Vinaigrette clings without sogginess.
• Feta offers creamy saltiness.
• Make-ahead friendly for gatherings.

Ingredients & Prep

• 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix or spinach)
• 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Maple Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients until emulsified.
3. Combine greens, apples, cranberries, walnuts, feta, and bacon in large bowl.
4. Drizzle with dressing; toss gently to coat.
5. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations

Storage Tips

Refrigerate undressed up to 2 days; add dressing before serving.

FAQs

Apples brown?
Toss with lemon juice immediately.

Nuts soggy?
Toast fresh and store separately.

Dressing thick?
Thin with water or more vinegar.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad celebrates fall flavors crisp, sweet, and satisfying.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

A fresh and crunchy apple cranberry walnut salad made with crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a light honey vinaigrette. Perfect for fall, holidays, or an everyday healthy side.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins
• Total Time: 10 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Salad:
• 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
• Dressing:
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• 1. Add mixed greens to a large salad bowl.
• 2. Top with sliced apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and cheese if using.
• 3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
• 4. Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
• 5. Toss gently and serve immediately.

Notes

• Toast walnuts for deeper flavor.
• Swap apples for pears for a seasonal twist.
• Add grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: apple cranberry walnut salad, fall salad, apple walnut salad