Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing

Craving a salad that’s both refreshing and satisfying? Look no further! This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next gathering, or even a quick and healthy dinner. It’s inspired by the classic autumn flavors, but enjoyable all year round. Let’s dive into the magic of this vibrant and nutritious salad!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and convenient. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Vibrant Flavors: Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and nutty walnuts create a symphony of taste.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday gatherings.
• Visually Appealing: A beautiful salad that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
• Maple Dressing Magic: The homemade dressing adds a touch of sweetness and warmth that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

This salad is less fussy than traditional salads, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Prepare to have your taste buds delighted!

Ingredients Needed

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to salad success. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

For the Salad

• Mixed Greens: 2 cups (about 57g). Spinach and arugula provide a peppery and nutritious base. Feel free to use your favorite blend of greens.
• Apple: 1 large (about 200g), thinly sliced. Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
• Walnuts: 1/2 cup (about 50g), roughly chopped. Walnuts add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. Toasting them lightly beforehand enhances their nutty flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/4 cup (about 40g). These add a burst of sweetness and chewy texture. Look for unsweetened cranberries for a healthier option.
• Feta Cheese (Optional): 1/4 cup (about 30g), crumbled. Feta adds a salty and tangy element that complements the other flavors beautifully. You can omit this for a dairy-free version.

Maple Dressing

• Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml). Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml). Extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity and peppery note to the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (about 15ml). This provides a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (about 5ml). Dijon mustard adds a subtle spice and emulsifies the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.

For the best results, consider using fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can often find great deals on salad greens and apples at your local farmers’ market. Furthermore, toasting your walnuts briefly in a dry pan will really bring out their nutty flavour.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes preparing this salad a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Salad Bowl: To toss all the ingredients together.
• Small Mixing Bowl: For whisking the maple dressing.
• Whisk: To emulsify the dressing ingredients.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the apple and chopping the walnuts.

A good quality knife will make slicing the apple easier and safer. If you don’t have a whisk, a fork will work in a pinch. A salad spinner can be useful for drying your greens thoroughly.

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Recipe Details

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when making this delightful salad:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

This recipe is incredibly scalable. Double or triple the ingredients to serve a larger crowd or halve it for a single serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing:

Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, gently combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apple, chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Be careful not to bruise the greens. Furthermore, ensure the apple slices are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

2nd Step: Prepare the Maple Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Continue whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. For example, you might want to add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter dressing.

Step 3: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors! Don’t overdress the salad; add dressing gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.

Want more flavor? Consider using toasted walnuts for a richer taste.

CHECK OUT: Chickpea Apple Cranberry Summer Salad – A similar salad with plant-based protein.

Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips to ensure your salad is a hit:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the salad.
• Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Don’t Overdress: Add the dressing gradually, tossing until the salad is lightly coated. Overdressing can make the salad soggy.
• Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting.

If your dressing is too tangy, add a touch more maple syrup to balance the acidity. Moreover, if it’s too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize this salad to your liking with these variations and substitutions:

• Cheese: Substitute goat cheese or blue cheese for feta.
• Nuts: Use pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds instead of walnuts.
• Fruit: Add grapes, pears, or blueberries for extra sweetness.
• Greens: Try kale or romaine lettuce instead of mixed greens.
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing. Honey can also be used in place of maple syrup, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

This salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of options:

• Main Course: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu.
• Side Dish: Pair it with a hearty soup or sandwich.
• Appetizer: Offer it as a refreshing starter at your next gathering.
• Drinks: Complement the salad with sparkling cider or iced tea.

This salad is particularly delightful during the fall season, but it’s delicious year-round. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation.

Health Benefits

This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Mixed greens provide vitamins and minerals, while apples offer fiber and antioxidants. Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats and protein, and cranberries are rich in vitamin C. The maple dressing, when made with pure maple syrup, provides some trace minerals and antioxidants. This salad is a healthy and satisfying choice that supports overall well-being.

Storage & Reheating

Proper storage is key to keeping your salad fresh. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. This will maintain the crispness of the apples and the crunch of the walnuts. If you have leftover dressing, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. However, dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute another type of nut for the walnuts?

Yes, pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds are all great substitutes for walnuts.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan feta alternative.

How long will the maple dressing last in the refrigerator?

The maple dressing will last for up to a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional content per serving:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 18g
• Carbs: 38g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For accurate information, use a nutrition calculator.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more delightful and nutritious recipes? Check out these other tasty options:

• Berry Spinach Salad with Pecans, Feta, and Balsamic Glaze – A colorful and flavorful salad with a tangy balsamic glaze.
• Apple Cinnamon Dump Cake – A warm and comforting dessert with the flavors of apple and cinnamon.
• Chickpea Apple Slaw with Honey Mustard Dressing – A healthy and refreshing slaw with plant-based protein.

These recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures that are sure to please your palate.

Conclusion

This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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