Description
This crisp and colorful Apple Salad features sweet apples, crunchy candied walnuts, tart dried cranberries, and a tangy cider vinaigrette. It’s a versatile side dish or light main course, perfect for any season!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 red apple, quartered, seeds removed, finely sliced
- Squeeze of lemon juice (to stop apple browning)
- 120 g (4 oz) mixed salad leaves (4–5 big handfuls)
- ½ red onion, finely sliced into wedges
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Candied Walnuts (or Other Nuts):
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1.5 tsp white sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Make the Candied Walnuts
- Melt butter in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sugar and stir briefly until it begins to melt.
- Add walnuts, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until they are coated and caramelized.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined tray to cool. Chop roughly once cooled.
- Plump the Cranberries
- Place cranberries in a bowl and cover with freshly boiled water. Let sit for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Prepare the Apples
- Slice the apple thinly and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Make the Dressing
- Combine cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake vigorously until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad
- Place salad greens, half the apple slices, and onions in a large bowl. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
- Top with cranberries, candied walnuts, and the remaining apple slices. Add crumbled cheese if desired.
- Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work well if you prefer a tart flavor.
- Pecans or almonds can replace walnuts.
- Store candied nuts in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g