Description
For the Salad:
6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 small apple, thinly sliced
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
¼ cup olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, dried cranberries, feta cheese, toasted walnuts, apple slices, and red onion.
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 220 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions to perfectly assemble your salad.
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the apple and red onion. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then chop them.
- Make the Vinaigrette: Add the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the jar and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Combine the Salad: In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens first. Then, strategically place the dried cranberries, crumbled feta, chopped walnuts, apple slices, and red onion on top. This layering makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients. Add more dressing as needed, tasting as you go.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes. For a light lunch, add grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal. It’s an excellent side for holiday dinners, complementing roasted turkey or baked ham. For a casual gathering, serve it alongside a warm soup and crusty bread. To keep it fresh for potlucks, transport the dressing separately and toss on-site.
How-to Summary
Toast walnuts for enhanced flavor. Whisk oil, lemon juice, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Dress and toss gently just before serving to maintain crispness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, but with preparation. Keep the dressing, walnuts, and apple slices separate. Combine the greens, cranberries, feta, and onion. Add the walnuts, apple, and dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess.
What are good substitutes for feta cheese? Goat cheese crumbles, shaved Parmesan, or gorgonzola are excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan feta or omit it entirely.
How do I prevent the apple slices from browning? Toss the sliced apple in a teaspoon of lemon juice from the vinaigrette recipe before adding it to the salad. This adds flavor and keeps them looking fresh.
Can I use a different nut? Absolutely. Pecans, almonds, or pistachios make great substitutes. Toasting them is still recommended for the best flavor.
Is there a substitute for honey in the vinaigrette? Yes, pure maple syrup is a perfect vegan-friendly substitute and will provide a similar sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Drying Greens: Water clinging to the greens will dilute your dressing, making the salad watery.
- Over-dressing: Start with a little dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
- Adding Dressing Too Early: Dressing the salad more than 5-10 minutes before serving will cause the greens to wilt.
- Skipping the Toast: Toasting the walnuts is crucial. It unlocks their oils and deep, nutty flavor, elevating the entire dish.
Conclusion
This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for a perfect, balanced meal. The combination of sweet, savory, crunchy, and tangy elements creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and nutritious. With its simple preparation and elegant results, this salad is sure to become a regular in your rotation, whether for a quick weekday lunch or a special occasion centerpiece. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant taste!