Refreshing Crisp Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

With a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy contrast, this salad is a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect, nutritious side to illuminate any meal with the essence of fall.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Elevate your salad game with the refreshingly crisp taste of the Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad, a delightful combo of crunchy walnuts, juicy apples, sweet cranberries, and smooth feta cheese. Drizzled with a zesty homemade apple vinaigrette, this dish is a breeze to prepare, and the optional candied walnuts add a delectable twist. It’s a quick yet sophisticated addition to any meal that brings a burst of autumn-inspired freshness to your table.

 

 

Ingredients

• 6 cups salad – (I used a combination of arugula and baby spinach, any spring green mix will do)
• 1 red apple
• 1 green apple
• 1 cup walnuts – roughly chopped, (such as Diamond of California)
• 4-6 bacon strips – cooked and chopped (optional)
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

• 1 cup apple juice
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – (or white vinegar in a pinch)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup oil

Candied Walnuts (optional)

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• Core and chop apples (thin slices or 1-inch chunks). Toss lettuce, apples, walnuts, feta, bacon (if using), and cranberries together in a large bowl.
• Whisk together all dressing ingredients or combine in a jar and shake vigorously.
• Toss with salad immediately before serving. Enjoy!

Candied Walnuts

• Line a baking sheet with greased parchment or a nonstick baking mat. In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, melt butter and sugar.
• Once the butter is melted, stir in the walnuts, salt, and cinnamon. Continue to stir til walnuts are well coated.
• Remove from heat and immediately spread walnuts out in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestion

Here are side serving suggestions that would complement this salad well:

• Roasted Chicken
• Grilled Pork Chops
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
• Baked Salmon
• Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Roasted Turkey Breast
• Wild Rice Pilaf
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Tips and Tricks

• If you’re in a rush or prefer not to make your own dressing, a store-bought Balsamic vinaigrette is a good alternative.
• If you’re planning to serve this salad at a later time, it’s best to toss the salad ingredients with the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the greens and apples.