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
Scale
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