Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a fresh, crisp mix of apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and greens tossed in a tangy-sweet vinaigrette. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays or everyday dinners.

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Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad, fall or holiday meals

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings:

Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients:

4 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, romaine — your pick!
2 cups apples thinly sliced or cubed (I love Honeycrisp or Fuji)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts chopped or halved (toast ‘em if you’ve got 5 extra minutes — game changer!)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese optional, but adds a salty creaminess

Dressing Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup if you’re vegan
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Wash & Dry Your Greens

Rinse your greens well. If you’ve got a salad spinner, give them a whirl. Wet greens = soggy salad. Nobody wants that.

Step 2: Prep Your Apples

Core and slice your apples into thin half-moons or small cubes. Toss them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice if you’re prepping ahead — keeps them looking fresh.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts (Optional but Worth It)

Heat a skillet over medium. Add walnuts. Stir often for 3–5 minutes until they smell nutty and look a shade darker. Let cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust — want more tang? Add vinegar. More sweet? A touch more honey.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a big bowl, toss greens, apples, cranberries, and walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently. Add feta on top (if using).

Step 6: Serve Right Away

This salad is best fresh. The apples stay crisp, the greens stay perky, and the walnuts stay crunchy.

Notes

Always toss the salad gently. You want everything coated, not crushed. And if you’re serving a crowd, put the dressing on the side — let people add their own. Some like it light, some like it drenched. No judgment here.

Nutrition