Print

Fresh Cranberry Walnut Salad

cranberry walnut salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A vibrant, healthy salad featuring fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, crisp apples, and mixed greens tossed in a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this salad is quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 oz mixed salad greens (spring mix, baby spinach, or arugula)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1 small apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Gala)
  • 2 tbsp red onion, very thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • Optional: 1/4 cup goat cheese (swap for feta)
  • Optional: Chopped fresh herbs (parsley or mint)

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Transfer to a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare salad ingredients: Rinse and dry mixed greens. Thinly slice apple and red onion. Rinse and dry cranberries. Crumble feta cheese if using.
  3. Make the balsamic vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add greens, apple slices, cranberries, walnuts, and red onion. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. Add feta cheese and toss lightly. Add more vinaigrette if desired. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if using.
  5. Serve: Transfer salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with extra cranberries and walnuts for garnish.

Notes

Toast walnuts for best flavor. If cranberries are too tart, toss with a teaspoon of honey before adding. Dress salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. For vegan, use maple syrup and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Apples can be tossed in lemon juice to prevent browning. Salad is naturally gluten-free; check mustard for hidden gluten. For nut allergies, substitute pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry walnut salad, holiday salad, balsamic vinaigrette, healthy salad, vegetarian, gluten-free, easy salad, potluck recipe, apple walnut salad

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/fresh-cranberry-walnut-salad-recipe-easy-balsamic-vinaigrette-guide/