If you’re looking for a salad that beautifully balances crisp, sweet, tart, and creamy flavors in every bite, the Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This vibrant salad combines crunchy apples and walnuts with the subtle tang of dried cranberries and the creamy saltiness of feta cheese, all tossed in a perfectly zesty apple cider vinaigrette. It’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for anything from a quick lunch to an impressive side at dinner parties.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role, whether adding crunch, sweetness, or that creamy tang, creating a salad that feels both fresh and sophisticated.
- Mixed greens (6 cups): A blend of spinach, arugula, or romaine offers a fresh and peppery base that keeps each bite lively.
- Apples (2, thinly sliced): Crisp and sweet, they introduce a juicy crunch that pairs brilliantly with the nuts and cheese.
- Walnuts (1/2 cup, toasted): Toasting elevates their flavor and adds a warm nuttiness, enhancing the salad’s texture.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): These deliver a tart-sweet pop that brightens every forkful.
- Feta cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled, optional): Its creamy, tangy notes add a wonderful contrast to the fruit and nuts.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a smooth richness to bring the dressing together.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the dressing a crisp tartness for balance.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A natural sweetener that harmonizes all the dressing flavors.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that tie the salad and dressing into perfect harmony.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by placing your fresh mixed greens into a large bowl. Add thinly sliced apples for that refreshing crunch, toasted walnuts for earthiness, dried cranberries for bursts of tartness, and finally the crumbled feta if you’re using it. Toss gently so all the elements are evenly distributed and ready to be topped with dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the ingredients emulsify into a velvety dressing. This simple blend is where the salad’s delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors truly starts to shine.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad bowl. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure that every leaf and ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing. This finishing touch brings all the flavors together into one delicious, harmonious dish.
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
Want to add a bit of extra flare? Sprinkle some extra toasted walnuts or a few whole dried cranberries on top to keep things visually appealing and give a burst of flavor with each bite. A few fresh apple slices or a light dusting of cracked black pepper on top can also elevate the presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty soup. Its lively character complements simple proteins and brings a fresh contrast that brightens any meal. For vegetarian options, serve alongside warm grain bowls or savory quiches to round out the dining experience perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or lunches on the go. Layer the dressing at the bottom, followed by the heavier ingredients, and top with the greens. When ready to eat, just shake the jar to coat everything with dressing. It’s colorful, convenient, and incredibly charming!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate and add it when you’re ready to eat to preserve the crunch and freshness of the ingredients.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended due to the delicate greens, apples, and texture changes after thawing. Instead, aim to enjoy it within a day or two for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad served cold, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. If you want a warm meal inspired by the flavors, consider enjoying the salad alongside a warm entree instead.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make wonderful alternatives that still provide crunch and complement the sweetness of the apples and cranberries nicely.
Is it necessary to use feta cheese in the Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe?
Not at all. Feta adds a lovely creamy tang, but if you prefer a dairy-free option or milder flavors, simply omit it or substitute with vegan cheese or even goat cheese for a different twist.
How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?
Once dressed, it’s best to enjoy the salad within a few hours to maintain the crispness of the greens and apples. Salad components tend to soften if left sitting too long dressed.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be mixed up to a week ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk or shake before using as the ingredients may separate over time.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their firmness and balance of sweetness and acidity hold up great in the salad and keep it refreshing.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to impress and delight with its vibrant flavors and wonderful textures. It’s a fresh, beautiful salad that’s easy enough for any day but special enough for entertaining. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for it again and again whenever you want a delicious, well-rounded salad that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Walnut Salad featuring mixed greens, crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and optional feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy maple-Dijon dressing. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fully combined and emulsified, ensuring a smooth and flavorful dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without bruising the greens or apples.
Notes
- Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance flavor.
- Use a mix of greens for texture and flavor balance; arugula adds a peppery note, while spinach offers a milder taste.
- The feta cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version or substitute with vegan cheese.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste, adding more maple syrup for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
