Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
Description
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad brings together a blend of spring greens such as arugula and baby spinach with thinly sliced red and green apples, creating a fresh base. Toasted or candied walnuts add a satisfying crunch, complemented by the saltiness of crumbled feta cheese. Dried cranberries provide bursts of sweetness and color, while optional cooked bacon strips introduce a smoky element. The dressing, made from apple juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a touch of oil, ties these ingredients with a tangy and lightly sweet coating. Candied walnuts, if included, are prepared with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of salt to create a crisp, flavored coating that contrast nicely with the salad’s fresh components.
This salad’s combination of sweet, salty, and tart flavors with varied textures makes it suitable as a light main course or a side dish alongside a protein. The crisp apples and walnuts provide natural, pleasant crunch while the leafy greens and dressing balance the flavors. It is especially fitting for seasonal menus when apples are fresh.
Variations include substituting the walnuts with pecans or serving with other dressings like poppy seed or balsamic vinaigrette. Candied walnuts are optional and can be replaced with plain toasted nuts for a simpler version. Adding bacon is also optional and provides a smoky contrast when used.
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 cooked and chopped (optional, strips
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
- 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 neutral cooking oil generic cooking 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 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 prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes.
Notes
- Choose a mix of arugula and baby spinach or any spring greens to maintain a fresh, mild base.
- Candied walnuts are optional; you may use raw or toasted walnuts or substitute with pecans for different textures.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
- Alternative dressings like poppy seed or balsamic vinaigrette pair well if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 460 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 460kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 283mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 364mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 496IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 53mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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