This apple walnut cranberry salad is hands down one of my favorite fall recipes. There is something so fresh and bright about crisp apples, the tart pop of cranberries, and the creamy richness of the feta all together in one bowl. Just toss in a handful of toasted walnuts, and you have the perfect comforting combo. I never thought I could call a salad comforting, but with this recipe, you absolutely can. It is simple, flavorful, and the kind of salad that makes you feel right at home with every bite.
Best Dressing for Apple Walnut Salad
When I first heard about this salad combination, I’ll be honest, I was a little unsure. Apples, cranberries, walnuts, and feta in a salad? But y’all, it is absolutely delicious. The flavors in an apple walnut cranberry salad work together in a way that is just perfection. You have the crisp sweetness of apples, the tart punch of cranberries, the creamy richness of feta, and, for a little razzle-dazzle, we added the earthy crunch of walnuts. Together, they create a balance of sweet, tart, salty, and earthy flavors that hits all the right notes. There’s even a little umami in the cheese and nuts that makes each bite deeply satisfying.
Finding the best dressing for apple walnut cranberry salad is key to bringing all of these flavors together. A well-balanced vinaigrette enhances and complements the salad’s ingredients while bringing the flavors together. The sweetness of the apples, the tartness of the cranberries, and the creamy, nutty elements of the salad all come together with the perfect salad dressing. One of my favorites is a maple dressing, which adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the fresh flavors. This works beautifully with an apple feta walnut cranberry salad, bringing out the natural umami in the cheese and nuts while keeping the salad light and fresh.
The Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad Dressing
Here’s a simple dressing that I love for this salad: Ingredients:
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: a splash of fresh lemon juice
Instructions:
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl or shake in a jar until fully combined.
Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking.
Drizzle over the salad just before serving and toss gently.
This apple walnut cranberry salad dressing perfectly balances sweet, tart, and savory, enhancing the natural flavors of the apples, cranberries, and feta while letting the walnuts shine.
Variations of the Dressing
Balsamic Twist: Swap apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar for a deeper, richer flavor. Perfect with an apple feta walnut cranberry salad.
Lighter Option: Use 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and a little extra lemon juice for a tangier, lower-sugar version.
Creamy Version: Add 1–2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a creamier dressing that still highlights the umami of the cheese and nuts.
Spiced Fall Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dressing to accentuate the fall vibes in your apple walnut cranberry salad with maple dressing.
Ready for the recipe? Without further ado…. drumroll, please…..
Variations and Substitutions
One of my favorite things about this salad is how easy it is to make it your own. Once you fall in love with the flavor combo in this apple walnut cranberry salad, you can play around with it depending on what you have in your kitchen or what you are craving that day.
Spinach Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad: Swap the mixed greens for baby spinach for a softer, sweeter base.
Kale Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad: Use chopped kale and massage it with a little olive oil for a heartier, meal prep-friendly version.
Arugula Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad: Arugula gives a peppery bite that works beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
Chicken Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad: Add sliced grilled chicken to make it a full, satisfying meal.
Apple Feta Walnut Cranberry Salad: Keep the feta front and center for extra creaminess and a little extra umami.
Broccoli Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad: Add finely chopped broccoli for more crunch and a boost of nutrients.
No matter which variation you choose, the balance of sweet apples, tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and toasted walnuts will always come through.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This salad is easy to prep ahead, but it works best when you keep a few things separate.
Store chopped apples in a little lemon water so they stay fresh.
Keep the cranberries, walnuts, and cheese in separate containers so nothing gets soggy.
Mix the greens right before serving for the best texture.
Store the dressing in a jar and shake it before each use.
If you are making the kale version, that one holds up especially well for meal prep and can stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days once dressed.
FAQs
What dressing goes with cranberry walnut salad? A maple vinaigrette is my favorite because it brings out the sweetness of the apples and balances the tart cranberries. Balsamic also works beautifully if you prefer something deeper and richer.
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes. Prep everything in advance, but add the nuts, cheese, and dressing right before serving.
Can I use different apples? Absolutely. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, and Fuji all work well. Use what you love.
How do I keep the apples from browning? Toss them with a little lemon juice or store them in a small bowl of water with a splash of lemon.
Can I make it dairy-free? Yes, just leave out the feta and enjoy the natural sweetness and crunch of the salad, or try vegan cheese substitutes.
This simple apple walnut cranberry salad is a fresh, flavorful fall favorite. Crisp apples, tart cranberries, creamy feta, and toasted walnuts come together with a sweet maple dressing for the perfect comforting combo. Quick to toss together, it works as a side dish, lunch, or light meal and is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Salad
6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
2 apples, chopped into medium-sized triangles (about 1 inch)
Add the mixed greens to a large salad bowl. Make sure the greens are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Chop the apples into medium-sized triangles, about 1 inch in size.
Add the apples, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and feta to the bowl of greens.
Toss the ingredients gently so everything is evenly combined.
Prepare the dressing by adding olive oil, maple syrup (or honey), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to a small jar. Shake until fully blended.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
Toss again lightly or serve with the dressing on the side if preferred.
Notes
Using less or no cheese will lower saturated fat and cholesterol.
Maple syrup or honey adds natural sweetness; reduce slightly to lower sugar content if desired.
Adding grilled chicken increases protein and calories, turning the salad into a full meal.
Substitute nuts or seeds to adjust fat content or for allergies.
Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work well because they stay crisp and sweet.
Toss the apples in a tiny splash of lemon juice if you need to prep them ahead to keep them bright and fresh.
Toasting the walnuts brings out their warm flavor and adds texture.
The maple dressing pairs beautifully with the sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy feta.
Add grilled chicken to make this a full meal.
Store leftovers undressed for the best texture. To keep the salad from getting soggy, always add the dressing right before serving. If you are meal prepping, store the dressing in a separate container and mix it in at the last minute.
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