This Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!) is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, all enhanced by crunchy walnuts and creamy feta. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a festive holiday side, or a healthy addition to any meal. This salad stands out for its bright flavors and ease of preparation, making it suitable for casual gatherings or special occasions. You’ll love how quickly you can whip it up, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad takes only 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of apples and cranberries brings a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for any meal or as a light lunch on its own.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from fresh produce and healthy fats from walnuts.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily modify ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the salad-making process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl (for dressing)
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows adequate space for combining all salad ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps achieve a smooth dressing by thoroughly mixing liquids together.
Ingredients
Greens and Fruits
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach and arugula)
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Nuts and Cheese
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the following until well combined:
1. ⅓ cup olive oil
2. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3. 2 tablespoons honey
4. 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5. Salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add:
1. 4 cups mixed greens
2. 2 medium apples, diced
3. 1 cup cranberries
4. ½ cup walnuts
5. ½ cup feta cheese.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture:
1. Gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve in a large bowl:
– Enjoy immediately for the best freshness!
This Apple Cranberry Salad is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving or as part of your weekly meal prep, it’s sure to wow your guests!
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
Serving Apple Cranberry Salad is easy and versatile. This vibrant dish can complement a variety of meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some creative ways to serve it.
As a Stand-Alone Lunch
- Enjoy the salad on its own for a light and healthy lunch option. Pair it with whole grain bread for added fiber.
With Grilled Chicken
- Serve the salad alongside grilled chicken breast for a complete meal. The sweetness of the apples and cranberries pairs well with the savory flavor of chicken.
On a Bed of Quinoa
- For a heartier dish, place the salad on a bed of cooked quinoa. This adds protein and makes it more filling, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
As a Thanksgiving Side
- This salad makes an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings. Its festive colors and flavors complement traditional dishes beautifully.
In a Wrap
- Use the salad as filling in a wrap or pita pocket. Add some sliced turkey or ham for extra protein and flavor.
How to Perfect Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
To enhance your Apple Cranberry Salad, consider these helpful tips. Making small adjustments can elevate your dish significantly.
- Choose fresh ingredients: Opt for crisp, fresh apples and quality greens to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
- Add more crunch: Include toasted pecans or sunflower seeds for an extra layer of crunch.
- Experiment with cheeses: Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Dressing variations: Try adding herbs like thyme or basil to your vinaigrette for added freshness.
- Season well: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; seasoning enhances all the flavors in your salad.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for a few minutes can help meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
Apple Cranberry Salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These sweet and creamy potatoes balance out the tartness of the salad while adding warmth.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf with herbs complements the fresh flavors of the salad beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for those who love something hearty with their meal.
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts add crunch and depth, enhancing your dining experience.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms provide a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the salad.
- Baked Salmon: The richness of baked salmon pairs well with this refreshing salad, creating a balanced plate.
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: A light vegetable stir-fry adds color and additional nutrients without overpowering the salad’s flavors.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses offers variety and complements both the apples and cranberries nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Apple Cranberry Salad can seem easy, but here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Using the wrong apples: Not all apples work well in salads. Stick to tart varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can drown out the flavors. Start with a little and add more as needed.
- Skipping the seasonings: Neglecting salt and pepper can leave your salad bland. A little seasoning elevates the taste.
- Chopping ingredients unevenly: For a great texture, chop apples and nuts into similar sizes. This ensures every bite is balanced.
- Not serving fresh: Salad tastes best when served immediately. Avoid making it too far in advance to preserve freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep dressing separate until ready to serve.
Freezing Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
- Freezing is not recommended for this salad as it affects texture.
- If necessary, freeze only the cranberries and walnuts separately.
Reheating Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This is best for any leftover cooked elements.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!) ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time but it’s best to dress it just before serving for freshness.
What type of apples are best for Apple Cranberry Salad?
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tartness. You can also try Honeycrisp for a sweeter option.
How do I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would work well if you want a different flavor profile.
What is the nutritional value of Apple Cranberry Salad?
This salad is rich in vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats from walnuts, making it a nutritious choice!
Final Thoughts
The Apple Cranberry Salad is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it by adding your favorite fruits or nuts. Try this refreshing dish today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Apple Cranberry Salad (20-Minutes!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Apple Cranberry Salad, ready in just 20 minutes! This refreshing dish harmoniously combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. Ideal as a light lunch or a festive holiday side, this salad is versatile enough to elevate any meal. With its bright colors and delightful taste, it’s perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. Whip it up quickly with minimal fuss and enjoy the nutritious benefits of fresh ingredients!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach and arugula)
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
- Serve immediately for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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