If you’re looking for a salad that sings with layers of crisp, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors all in one bowl, the Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is your new go-to. This vibrant dish combines the crunch of toasted walnuts, the natural sweetness of apples and dried cranberries, and the savory tang of feta cheese, all tossed in a simple, zesty dressing that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you want a fresh lunch, a colorful side, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this salad is easy, elegant, and downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together the perfect Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is all about fresh, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in creating its unique flavor and texture. These pantry staples come together quickly but pack a delightful punch of taste and color.
- Mixed greens: A 6-cup blend of spinach, arugula, or romaine gives a fresh, leafy base with a mix of mild and peppery notes.
- Apples: Two thinly sliced apples add crisp sweetness and juiciness that brighten the salad.
- Walnuts: Half a cup of toasted walnuts bring a warm crunch and a subtle earthiness.
- Dried cranberries: A quarter cup provides chewy bursts of tart sweetness that complement the apples perfectly.
- Feta cheese: A quarter cup, crumbled, lends creamy and salty hints that elevate the salad’s complexity (optional but highly recommended).
- Olive oil: Three tablespoons for a rich base in the dressing.
- Apple cider vinegar: One tablespoon offers a bright tang that balances the sweetness.
- Dijon mustard: A teaspoon adds gentle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Maple syrup: A teaspoon softens the dressing with a natural, warm sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning that brings all the flavors to life.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining your mixed greens with the thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese if you’re using it. Toss everything gently so those beautiful textures and colors get evenly distributed. This is where the magic begins as the fresh, crunchy, and chewy elements all come together.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This simple mix delivers a bright, balanced flavor that complements and enhances every bite of your salad without overpowering it.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad and toss it gently but thoroughly. This ensures that every leaf and bite is lightly coated without becoming soggy. Your Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is now ready to enjoy—vibrant, fresh, and full of delightful contrasts.
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, sprinkle some additional toasted walnuts or crumbled feta on top right before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a few fresh herb leaves like parsley or mint can add a refreshing touch and elevate the presentation beautifully.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a simple piece of artisan bread to round out a meal. It’s versatile enough to serve alongside heartier mains or as a satisfying light lunch on its own, thanks to the satisfying textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual glass bowls to show off the vibrant layers or pile it on a large platter with wedges of lemon or apple slices arranged artfully around for a festive, inviting look. You can also stuff pita pockets or wraps with this salad for a fresh and crunchy handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the greens from wilting, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving the next day. This helps the salad retain its crispness and freshness.
Freezing
While this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, the components don’t freeze well together. The greens and apples become soggy after thawing, so we recommend freezing only the nuts or cheese separately if needed, but generally, freezing is not advised for this salad as a whole.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be eaten cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm element, pairing it with a warm main dish would be your best option rather than reheating the salad itself.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios make fantastic alternatives. Just toast them lightly for that same crunchy, nutty goodness.
Is the feta cheese necessary?
Feta cheese adds a wonderful creamy, tangy dimension, but if you’re dairy-free or prefer to skip it, the salad is still delicious without it. You might try a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture.
Can I use a different type of vinegar in the dressing?
You can. White wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar can work nicely, but apple cider vinegar really complements the apple flavor in the salad perfectly.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
For the freshest experience, assemble the salad just before serving. You can prep the dressing and toast the nuts a day ahead to save time on the day of serving.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Skip the feta cheese and make sure your maple syrup is pure vegan, and this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe easily becomes a vibrant vegan dish everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe enough—it’s the kind of salad that feels like a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight meal or a special gathering, its balance of flavors and textures never fails to impress. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite on your recipe list.
Print
Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Apple Walnut Salad featuring mixed greens, crisp apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and optional feta cheese, all lightly dressed with a tangy and sweet homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat the salad ingredients evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji) for added flavor and texture contrast.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Omit feta cheese to make the salad vegan, or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Prepare the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
