Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe — A Fresh, Crunchy, and Festive Favorite

Adam

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe — A Fresh, Crunchy, and Festive Favorite

There’s something truly refreshing about a salad that celebrates crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory, offering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you want a wholesome salad that still feels special. The fresh crunch of apples pairs beautifully with the nutty earthiness of walnuts, the bright tartness of cranberries, and the creamy tang of a simple homemade dressing. What makes this salad shine is its balance. You get the natural sweetness from fruit, a hint of zest from the dressing, and the satisfying crunch that makes every forkful exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare — just toss the ingredients, whisk the dressing, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes! Whether you serve it as a side for roasted meats, a light lunch, or part of a festive spread, this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad will be an instant crowd-pleaser and a beautiful burst of color on your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this refreshing and flavorful apple salad:

Salad Ingredients:

2 medium apples Honeycrisp or Fuji, cored and thinly sliced
½ cup dried cranberries unsweetened or lightly sweetened
½ cup walnuts toasted and roughly chopped
6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, or spring mix
½ cup feta cheese crumbles optional for tangy creaminess
¼ cup red onion thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin for the best flavor
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth
A few fresh apple slices or whole cranberries for decoration

Equipment

You won’t need much for this simple yet stunning salad:
1 Large mixing bowl
1 Small bowl or jar for dressing
1 Whisk or fork
1 Cutting board and sharp knife
1 Measuring spoons and cups
1 salad tongs or wooden spoon
1 Serving bowl or platter

Method

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Start by toasting the walnuts for maximum flavor.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly golden.
Remove from heat and let cool. This simple step deepens their nutty flavor and adds irresistible crunch to the salad.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

Wash and core your apples. Slice them thinly for an elegant look and even bite.
For a burst of color, use a combination of red and green apples — Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are all excellent choices.
To prevent browning, toss the apple slices with a teaspoon of lemon juice and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Taste and adjust the balance — add more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tanginess.
This dressing perfectly complements the sweetness of the fruit while adding a subtle, savory depth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens.
Top with the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion.
If you’re including feta cheese, crumble it over the top for creamy contrast.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad.
Using salad tongs or a wooden spoon, gently toss everything together until the greens and toppings are well coated but not drenched.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with extra apple slices, walnuts, or fresh cranberries for a beautiful presentation.
Serve immediately and enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors in every bite.
This salad tastes best fresh but can also be lightly chilled for a refreshing touch.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keep the dressing separate in a small jar for up to 5 days.

Reheating:

No reheating needed — this salad is best served fresh or chilled.

Make-Ahead Tip:
To prep ahead, slice the apples and store them in lemon water. Keep all ingredients separate and toss together just before serving.

🥄 Variations

This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is wonderfully flexible — here are some delicious twists to try:

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, turkey slices, or tofu for a complete meal.

Change the Nuts: Substitute pecans or almonds for a slightly different crunch.

Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or blue cheese for a creamier, bolder flavor.

Sweet Upgrade: Add fresh pear slices, mandarin oranges, or pomegranate seeds.

Greens Mix: Use baby kale, arugula, or romaine for texture variation.

Crunch Factor: Toss in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or granola clusters.

Autumn Twist: Sprinkle with cinnamon-roasted walnuts or maple-glazed pecans.

Citrus Note: Add a squeeze of orange juice to the dressing for a bright, sunny flavor.

Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.

Hearty Salad: Add cooked quinoa or farro for a protein-packed variation.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes! Keep ingredients separate and toss right before serving to maintain freshness.

2. What are the best apples for this recipe?
Crisp and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are ideal. Granny Smith adds a tart contrast.

3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes — slice them thinly and toss with a touch of honey or sugar to balance their tartness.

4. Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely! It’s delicious with or without feta — the fruit and nuts add plenty of flavor.

5. How do I keep the apples from browning?
Toss them in lemon juice or a mixture of lemon juice and water before adding to the salad.

6. Can I make the dressing ahead?
Yes, it keeps well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator — just shake before using.

7. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

8. What proteins pair well with this salad?
It’s lovely with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or baked salmon.

9. Can I use a different vinegar?
Yes — balsamic or white wine vinegar also work beautifully.

10. How can I make it more filling?
Add avocado slices, quinoa, or chickpeas for a heartier salad.

🏁 Conclusion

This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a refreshing, colorful, and delicious dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the season. The combination of crisp apples, tart cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes — simple yet elegant.

It’s quick to make, incredibly versatile, and ideal for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a sunny picnic, this salad will bring brightness and balance to your table.

The homemade honey-mustard-style dressing ties everything together with its sweet and tangy notes, elevating this dish into something unforgettable.

So grab your favorite apples, whisk up that dressing, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate fresh and flavorful salad that tastes like autumn in a bowl.