Crisp Fall Harvest: Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Fresh greens sparkle with an irresistible apple cranberry walnut salad recipe that blends sweet and tangy flavors.
Crisp apple slices and tart cranberries dance among tender lettuce leaves.
Crunchy walnuts add depth and texture to every delightful bite.
The combination creates a vibrant, nutritious dish perfect for lunch or as a side.
Seasonal ingredients shine through in this simple yet elegant salad.
Each forkful promises a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate.
Prepare to elevate your meal with this delectable and refreshing creation.
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Highlights
Salad Ingredients: Apple, Cranberry, Walnut
Salad Base:Fruits:Protein and Nuts:Candied Walnut Ingredients:Dressing Components:How to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
Step 1: Slice Apples
Core and slice apples into thin or chunky pieces.
Mix red and green apples for extra color and crunch.
Quickly dip slices in lemon water to prevent browning.
Step 2: Create Salad Base
Grab a large bowl and layer your favorite greens.
Toss in:Step 3: Whip Up Dressing
Combine dressing ingredients in a jar or small bowl:Shake or whisk until smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Prepare Candied Walnuts
Heat a nonstick pan over medium temperature.
Melt butter and sugar together until glossy.
Add:Stir continuously until walnuts are caramelized and coated.
Step 5: Cool Candied Walnuts
Spread walnuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes until coating hardens.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
Gently toss to coat ingredients.
Top with cooled candied walnuts.
Serve immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
Tips for Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
Storing Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
What to Serve with This Fruit & Nut Salad
Style Swaps for Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
FAQs
Candied walnuts are surprisingly easy to prepare. With just butter, sugar, and a few minutes of stirring, you can create a delicious sweet and crunchy topping that elevates any salad.
Absolutely! Feel free to swap feta for goat cheese, replace bacon with crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian option, or use pecans instead of walnuts. The recipe is flexible and welcomes creativity.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, candied walnuts will remain crisp and delicious for about a week. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crunch.
This salad offers a nutritious balance of greens, fruits, nuts, and protein. Apples provide fiber, walnuts deliver healthy fats, and the variety of ingredients ensures you’re getting multiple nutrients in one delightful dish.
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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Mouthwatering Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad combines crisp autumn flavors with elegant textures. Sweet-tart apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy walnuts create a refreshing dish you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 cups salad mix (arugula and baby spinach or any spring green mix)
- 1 red apple
- 1 green apple
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1 cup walnut halves (for candied walnuts)
- 6 bacon strips, cooked and chopped (optional)
Cheese and Dried Fruit:
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
Dressing and Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup apple juice
- 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 tablespoon butter (for candied walnuts)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for candied walnuts)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for candied walnuts)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for candied walnuts)
Instructions
- Core and slice apples into thin or 1-inch pieces, mixing red and green varieties for visual appeal and texture. Briefly submerge in lemon water to prevent discoloration.
- In a large bowl, layer fresh greens like arugula or baby spinach as the foundational base for the salad.
- Scatter prepared apple slices across the greens, then generously sprinkle chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and optional bacon bits to create a diverse flavor landscape.
- Craft the dressing by whisking apple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, black pepper, and oil in a small bowl until smooth and well-integrated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- For candied walnuts, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick mat to prevent sticking.
- Using a medium nonstick pan over medium heat (around 325°F), melt butter and sugar together until they form a glossy, uniform mixture.
- Introduce walnut halves to the butter-sugar blend, incorporating a pinch of salt and cinnamon. Continuously stir to ensure complete and even coating.
- Immediately transfer candied walnuts to the prepared baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer. Allow 5-10 minutes cooling time to solidify the caramelized exterior.
- Moments before serving, drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated, maintaining the salad’s fresh and vibrant character.
Notes
- Prevent apple browning by submerging slices in lemon water immediately after cutting to maintain fresh appearance and crisp texture.
- Mix apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced tartness and sweetness, creating more complex flavor profile.
- use vegan feta for dairy-free option, replace bacon with roasted chickpeas for vegetarian version.
- Toast walnuts briefly before candying to enhance their natural nutty flavor and add extra depth to the overall salad experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Clara Thompson
Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.
Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media
Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.
Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.