Have you ever been on the hunt for a salad that is both simple enough for a weekday lunch and special enough for a holiday table? It can be a tricky balance to find. You want something that feels fresh and exciting but doesn’t require a dozen complicated steps or hard to find ingredients. That is exactly where this amazing Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad comes in. It’s a bowl full of bright colors, crisp textures, and delicious flavors that come together in minutes.
This recipe is my go to for a reason. It is incredibly versatile, satisfying, and always gets rave reviews. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and savory bacon is just so good. And the homemade maple dijon vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. It is a salad that truly celebrates the best of simple, whole ingredients. Get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad so special? Honestly, it’s the beautiful simplicity of it all. There is no complex cooking involved, just some light chopping and mixing. This makes it a wonderful choice for beginner cooks or anyone who wants a flavorful dish without a lot of fuss. It is a true lifesaver during busy weeks or hectic holiday preparations. You get maximum flavor for minimal effort.
Let’s talk about the flavors and textures. You get a little bit of everything in each bite. The crisp, juicy apples provide a sweet and slightly tart freshness that is so refreshing. Then you have the chewy, tangy dried cranberries adding little bursts of flavor. The toasted walnuts bring a lovely, earthy crunch that is so satisfying. It is a party of textures that keeps your taste buds engaged and happy.
The savory elements are just as important. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit. And the chopped bacon, oh the bacon. It adds a smoky, salty richness that takes this salad to another level. It is this balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy that makes the salad so incredibly delicious and memorable. It feels like a thoughtfully composed dish from a nice cafe.
This salad is also a showstopper on the table. The deep green spinach, the vibrant red cranberries, the pale slices of apple, and the white feta create a stunning visual. It looks like you spent a lot more time on it than you actually did. This makes it one of my favorite Holiday Salad Recipes. It adds a splash of color and elegance to any spread, especially for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Plus, it is so easy to customize. You can swap out the nuts, try a different cheese, or add some protein to make it a more substantial meal. It’s a fantastic base recipe that you can adapt to your own tastes or what you happen to have in your pantry. It is a forgiving and fun recipe to play around with. You really cannot go wrong with these classic flavor combinations.
Ingredients
One of the best things about this salad is its straightforward ingredient list. You are using fresh, wholesome ingredients to create something truly tasty. Here’s what you will need to gather.
For the Salad
- 2 cups baby spinach, raw
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnut halves, toasted if desired
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- ½ Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- ½ Fuji apple, thinly sliced
- 2 slices beef or turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
A quick note on the ingredients. Using two types of apples like Granny Smith and Fuji gives a wonderful balance of tart and sweet. If you only have one kind on hand, that is perfectly fine too. Toasting the walnuts is an optional step, but I highly recommend it. It only takes a few minutes in a dry pan and it really deepens their flavor and makes them extra crunchy.
Step By Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get this beautiful Fresh Cranberry Salad assembled. You will be surprised at how quickly it all comes together. We will start by making that amazing dressing.
Step 1: Make The Dressing
First things first, let’s whip up the maple dijon vinaigrette. This dressing is so simple yet so flavorful. Grab a small mason jar or a small bowl. The mason jar method is my favorite because it is so easy and there is less cleanup.
Add your extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to the jar. Don’t forget a little pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Now, just screw the lid on tightly and give it a good shake. Shake it for about 15 to 20 seconds. You will see the ingredients combine and thicken slightly. This process is called emulsifying, and it is what makes the dressing smooth and creamy instead of separated. If you are using a bowl, just whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined.
Step 2: Assemble The Salad
Now for the fun part. Grab a large salad bowl or a nice big serving platter. Start with a bed of fresh baby spinach. I like to spread it out so there is plenty of surface area for all the delicious toppings. An even layer is a great start.
Next, sprinkle on the dried cranberries, the toasted walnut halves, and the crumbled feta cheese. Try to distribute them evenly across the spinach. Then, arrange your thinly sliced apples over the top. Using both a tart green apple and a sweet red apple makes the salad look extra vibrant and appealing. The color contrast is just lovely.
Step 3: Add The Bacon
This is the step that adds a fantastic savory, smoky element. Take your cooked and chopped turkey or beef bacon and sprinkle it generously over the entire salad. The warmth of freshly cooked bacon can slightly wilt the spinach it touches, which is actually quite delicious. Make sure you get some in every corner.
Step 4: Dress And Serve
Just before you are ready to serve, it is time to bring everything together. Give your vinaigrette one last shake to make sure it is well mixed. Then, drizzle it over the salad. I recommend starting with about half of the dressing, tossing gently, and then adding more as needed. You want to coat the ingredients without drowning them. A light coating is all you need.
Once you have tossed it to your liking, serve the Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad immediately. This salad is at its best when it is fresh and crisp. The textures are just fantastic right after it is made. Enjoy every single bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, the key to storing them properly is to keep the components separate. A dressed salad will become soggy and wilted in the refrigerator very quickly. Nobody loves a sad, limp salad, right? So, it is always best to plan ahead if you think you will have extras.
Store the undressed salad mixture (spinach, cranberries, walnuts, feta, apples) in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a day. Keep in mind that the apples may start to brown a little, but they will still be tasty. The dressing can be stored separately in its mason jar or another sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. When you are ready for another serving, just give the dressing a good shake and toss it with your salad portion.
Tips
Want to make this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad even better? I have got a few simple tips and tricks up my sleeve for you. These little adjustments can make a big difference.
To prevent your apple slices from browning, you can toss them with a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right after you slice them. The citric acid helps to keep them looking fresh and bright, which is especially helpful if you are preparing the salad a little bit ahead of time for guests.
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. This recipe is a fantastic template. Not a fan of walnuts? Try a Cranberry Pecan Salad instead by swapping them for toasted pecans. Almonds would also be a great choice. For the cheese, crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese would be delicious alternatives to feta.
This is one of my go to Thanksgiving Salad Recipes because it feels festive and pairs so well with traditional holiday foods. You can easily double or triple the recipe to serve a larger crowd. Just assemble it on a large platter for a beautiful presentation that will impress your family and friends. It is a light and refreshing contrast to the heavier dishes on the table.
To turn this side salad into a hearty main course, simply add some protein. Grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a can of chickpeas would be wonderful additions. It makes for a balanced and satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad that is sure to become a new favorite. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or a long list of ingredients to create something truly special. The fresh flavors and wonderful textures speak for themselves.
Whether you are making it for a holiday gathering, a potluck with friends, or just a simple meal at home, this salad delivers. It is a celebration of seasonal ingredients and a joy to eat. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare parts of this salad ahead of time. I would recommend preparing all the components and storing them separately. You can make the dressing, cook and chop the bacon, and toast the walnuts a day or two in advance. The apples should be sliced just before serving for the best results. Assemble and dress the salad right before you are ready to eat to keep it crisp.
What Other Greens Can I Use Besides Spinach?
Baby spinach is a great choice because it is tender, but other greens work wonderfully too. A spring mix, arugula for a peppery kick, or chopped romaine lettuce for extra crunch would all be excellent substitutes. Feel free to use your favorite greens or a combination of a few different types.
Is There A Substitute For Maple Syrup In The Dressing?
Absolutely. If you don’t have pure maple syrup, you can use honey or agave nectar as a substitute in the vinaigrette. Either one will provide the touch of sweetness needed to balance the tangy vinegar and mustard. Just use an equal amount.
How Can I Make This A Full Meal?
This salad is very easy to turn into a complete meal. Adding a source of protein is the best way to do this. Sliced grilled chicken, flaked salmon, or a handful of chickpeas are all fantastic options. You could also serve it alongside a bowl of soup or with a slice of crusty bread for a more filling and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
This simple Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a bowl full of bright colors, crisp textures, and delicious flavors that come together in minutes. It’s a versatile and satisfying dish that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette. In a small jar or bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until emulsified, or whisk in a bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, create a bed of baby spinach.
- Evenly sprinkle the dried cranberries, toasted walnut halves, and crumbled feta cheese over the spinach.
- Arrange the thinly sliced Granny Smith and Fuji apples on top of the salad.
- Sprinkle the cooked and chopped bacon over the entire salad.
- Just before serving, give the vinaigrette one final shake and drizzle it over the salad. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures.
Notes
To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice after slicing.
Feel free to substitute walnuts with toasted pecans, or swap feta cheese with goat cheese or blue cheese.
Turn this salad into a main course by adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or chickpeas.
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