Description
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)
-
1 cup dried cranberries
-
1 cup toasted walnuts
-
3 to 4 ounces crumbled feta
Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad Dressing
-
3 tablespoons olive oil
-
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
-
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
-
Pinch of salt
-
Pinch of black pepper
-
Instructions
-
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking/ Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg (from feta; omit for vegan)