The Best Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe

Crisp autumn days call for a delightful apple salad that bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Juicy fruit chunks mingle with crunchy candied walnuts, creating a symphony of textures.

Tart cranberries add a vibrant pop of color and zingy brightness to each bite.

Sweet and savory notes dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this quick and refreshing recipe that comes together in minutes.

Every forkful promises a delectable journey through contrasting flavors and delightful crunch.

You’ll want to make this crowd-pleasing salad for your next gathering or peaceful lunch at home.

What Makes Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts So Memorable

• Craft a Vibrant Salad: Combine crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary dish into an extraordinary experience.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: This recipe requires just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks who want a quick, delicious meal.
• Celebrate Seasonal Freshness: Showcase autumn's bounty with a salad that highlights fresh produce and creates a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or as a side dish, this salad adapts easily to different occasions and satisfies various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

• Mixed Salad Greens: Crisp and tender base for the salad that provides a nutritious foundation.
• Red Apple: Adds a sweet and crisp texture with a refreshing flavor to the salad.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp and tangy bite that complements the other ingredients.

• Walnuts, Cranberries: Candied nuts offer a sweet crunch while dried cranberries bring a tart and chewy element to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creates a light and tangy base for the dressing that enhances the salad's overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard, Honey, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth, sweetness, and seasoning to balance the dressing.
• Feta Cheese: Introduces a creamy and salty component that adds richness to the salad.

How to Assemble the Perfect Apple Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, blend olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the ingredients create a smooth and vibrant dressing. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all components are well incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Salad Base

• Thinly sliced apple wedges
• Plump dried cranberries
• Crunchy candied walnuts
• Thinly sliced red onion rings

Step 3: Dress and Toss with Finesse

Gently pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.

Use salad tongs or two large spoons to softly toss and coat every ingredient with the tangy dressing, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Sprinkle Creamy Cheese Topping

Crumble fresh feta cheese over the top of the salad, allowing the creamy cheese to add a delightful tangy contrast to the sweet and crunchy elements.

Step 5: Serve and Savor Immediately

Present the salad right away to enjoy the perfect balance of crisp textures, vibrant flavors, and fresh ingredients. The combination of sweet, tart, and creamy notes will tantalize your taste buds.

Salad Tips to Keep It Fresh and Crisp

• Swap red onion for green onions if you prefer a milder flavor and less intense bite.
• Enhance the salad's crunch by toasting walnuts before candying them for deeper, richer flavor.
• Keep apple slices crisp by tossing them in lemon juice to prevent browning and add subtle brightness.
• Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese for varied taste profiles and interesting textures.
• Make the salad ahead by preparing dressing and chopping ingredients separately, then combining just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent soggy greens.

Custom Combos for Your Apple Salad Bowl

• Autumn Harvest Remix: Replace feta with goat cheese and add roasted butternut squash cubes for a seasonal touch.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap walnuts for toasted pine nuts, use arugula instead of mixed greens, and add crumbled blue cheese.
• Protein Power Plate: Incorporate grilled chicken breast slices and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing for extra protein and depth.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Replace red onion with thinly sliced green onions, add mandarin orange segments, and use sesame oil in the dressing for an east-meets-west flavor profile.

What to Serve with This Flavor-Packed Salad

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the salad's tangy and sweet notes, cutting through the richness of feta and candied walnuts.
• Craft Beverage Match: Pair with a sparkling apple cider to echo the apple flavors and provide a refreshing, bubbly contrast to the salad's textures.
• Complementary Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey slices to transform the salad into a complete, satisfying meal that balances light and hearty elements.
• Bread Companion: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or multigrain bread to soak up the dressing and provide a crunchy textural counterpoint to the salad's crisp ingredients.

Storage Tips for Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

• Refrigerate: Store salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separately in a sealed jar to prevent soggy greens.
• Separate Components: Store apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning. Keep nuts, cheese, and cranberries in separate containers to maintain crispness.
• Quick Refresh: Before serving leftovers, drain excess moisture, gently toss ingredients, and drizzle fresh dressing to revive flavors and textures.
• Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this salad as fresh greens, apples, and delicate ingredients will lose their crisp texture and become mushy.

FAQs About Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts

• Can I use a different type of apple for this salad?

Yes, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Choose crisp apples that provide a nice crunch and balance of sweetness.

• How can I make the candied walnuts at home?

Toast walnuts in a pan with sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until sugar caramelizes and coats the nuts evenly. Let them cool before adding to the salad.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from fresh greens, apples, cranberries, and walnuts. The dressing uses heart-healthy olive oil and natural sweeteners like honey.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately.

Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp green apples dance with sweet candied walnuts in this delightful salad that balances tart cranberries and fresh greens. Cool autumn flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of seasonal comfort.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
• 2 apples (Granny Smith or Gala)
• 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 cup candied walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey

Seasoning:

• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a compact mixing vessel until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Prepare a spacious salad bowl and layer crisp salad greens as the foundational base.
3. Artfully arrange thinly sliced apple segments across the greens, creating an elegant visual pattern.
4. Scatter dried cranberries and roughly chopped candied walnuts over the apple slices, ensuring even distribution.
5. Sprinkle thinly sliced red onion throughout the salad for a subtle sharp contrast.
6. Gently drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using a light hand to coat ingredients without overwhelming them.
7. Delicately toss the components to ensure each element is lightly dressed and well-integrated.
8. Crown the salad with crumbled feta cheese, allowing the tangy cheese to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Serve immediately to maintain the crisp textures and fresh ingredients, presenting a delightful blend of sweet, tart, and savory notes.

Notes

• Customize dressing intensity by adjusting vinegar and honey ratios for personal taste preferences.
• Toast walnuts briefly before candying to enhance their nutty flavor and create deeper caramelization.
• Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Substitute feta with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Appetizer, Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 10mg