Irresistible Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad : A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Fall Favorite

Crunchy apples, sweet cranberries, and candied walnuts come together in this vibrant Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Ideal as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this salad fits effortlessly into your menu for the holidays, especially among your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes.

If you’re on the lookout for fresh salad recipes that combine color, nutrition, and flavor in one bowl, you’ll fall in love with this dish. Whether you’re preparing a cozy fall dinner or a crisp, light lunch, this autumn salad recipe is sure to brighten your table and your palate.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

This is more than just a beautiful salad—it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser. Here’s why it belongs in your regular rotation:

• Perfect for holidays: Adds color and freshness to rich meals
• Quick to prepare: No cooking required and ready in 15 minutes
• Customizable: Great base for adding your favorite toppings or proteins
• Textural variety: Crisp apples, chewy cranberries, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts
• Seasonally inspired: Ideal for fall and winter gatherings

Pair it with a warm entree like our Slow Cooker Pot Roast or serve it on its own for a refreshing, satisfying lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to make this salad is easy to find and brings both nutrition and flavor to the table.

For the Salad:

• 1 large red apple (Fuji or Gala), thinly sliced – approx. 200g
• 1 large green apple (Granny Smith), thinly sliced – approx. 200g
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries – about 60g
• 3/4 cup candied walnuts – about 90g
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g baby spinach leaves (or mixed greens)
• 100g arugula – optional
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Want to go completely homemade? Try pairing this salad with soft, buttery Butter Swim Biscuits for a stunning side combination.

Kitchen Equipment Required

Here’s what you’ll need to put this salad together:

• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Salad spinner (optional but helpful)
• Small mixing bowl and whisk for the dressing
• Large salad bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

This salad is simple but impressive. Follow these easy steps:

1. Slice the apples just before assembling to avoid browning. Optionally, toss in lemon juice.
2. Whisk the vinaigrette: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Prepare the greens in a large bowl. Add red onion slices.
4. Add the toppings: Sprinkle in cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta.
5. Layer the apples gently on top.
6. Dress and toss just before serving.

Looking for a hearty brunch pairing? Try it alongside these warm Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

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Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor
• Chill the apples before slicing for extra crispness
• Don’t overdress the salad—start with half and add more if needed
• Homemade candied walnuts add a personal touch and can be customized with spices like cinnamon or cayenne

For another creative twist on breakfast salads, you might love the savory-sweet combo in our Cream Cheese Hashbrown Casserole.

Salad Dressing Tips: How to Perfect the Vinaigrette

The vinaigrette is simple but key. Here’s how to elevate it:

• Use high-quality apple cider vinegar for depth
• Maple syrup balances the tang with subtle sweetness
• Dijon mustard adds body and prevents separation
• Salt and pepper round out the flavors—don’t skip them!

Want a dairy-free version? Pair this with Delicious Cauliflower Chaffles for a plant-friendly lunch.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas for Autumn Salad

This salad shines on every table. Here are a few ideas to serve it beautifully:

• Arrange on a large white platter to let the colors pop
• Add extra feta and a few candied walnuts on top as garnish
• Serve alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs for a balanced dinner
• Perfect side dish for potlucks, family dinners, or brunch buffets

For a quick and comforting dessert afterward, don’t miss our Coconut Cloud Cake—a fluffy, dreamy finish.

Storage Instructions: How to Keep It Fresh

Here’s how to store this salad without compromising taste or texture:

• Store greens and toppings separately in airtight containers
• Keep dressing in a small jar and add just before serving
• Apples brown quickly—sprinkle with lemon juice if prepping early
• Best enjoyed within 24 hours

For a warm meal prep idea later in the week, consider this savory Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust:

• Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta
• Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds
• For a nut-free version, use pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• Make it vegan by using plant-based cheese and maple syrup
• Add grilled chicken, turkey, or Rotisserie Chicken Pasta to make it a complete meal

It also pairs wonderfully with savory breakfast items like our Sausage Egg and Cheese Roll-Ups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Apple Salad Recipes

Avoid these common pitfalls for perfect results every time:

• Don’t slice apples too early unless using lemon juice to prevent browning
• Avoid overdressing—always toss gently with just enough dressing
• Use fresh, crisp greens to prevent sogginess
• Don’t forget the seasoning in your vinaigrette—it’s essential

For a delicious complement, try serving with Pennsylvania Dutch Pepper Cabbage for an old-fashioned pairing.

Pair It With These Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Round out your holiday meal with these comforting classics:

• Irresistibly Sweet Potato Crumble
• Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
• Ultimate Stuffing Biscuits
• Country Gravy Breakfast Enchiladas

These cozy dishes pair beautifully with the bright, crisp flavors of this apple salad.

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FAQs About Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes. Slice apples just before serving or store them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep dressing and toppings separate.

What are the best apples for this recipe?
A combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji or Honeycrisp apples creates balance.

Can I use regular walnuts instead of candied?
Yes, but candied walnuts add extra crunch and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Absolutely! You can reduce the onion or cheese if needed and let kids help toss the salad.

Can this be made a main dish?
Yes—just add a protein like grilled chicken, or serve alongside something hearty like our Taco Crock Pot Hashbrown Casserole.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Try for Fans of Fresh Salad Recipes

This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a colorful, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Perfect for fall menus, holiday spreads, or healthy weekday meals, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Love this recipe? Share it with your friends and bookmark it for your next gathering. And don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more seasonal favorites like our Cherry Cobbler Muffins and Strawberry Oatmeal Bars.

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