Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette: A Festive Delight

This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, or a refreshing addition to any potluck. The crisp sweetness of apples, the crunch of toasted walnuts, the tangy burst of dried cranberries, and the creamy richness of crumbled cheese (optional but highly recommended!) come together in perfect harmony, all dressed with a vibrant and flavorful cranberry vinaigrette. It’s a salad that’s both healthy and satisfying, easy to make, and visually stunning. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delectable creation!

## Why This Salad is a Winner

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy elements makes every bite an adventure for your taste buds.
* **Festive and Colorful:** The vibrant colors of the apples, cranberries, and greens make this salad perfect for holiday gatherings.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking. Use different types of apples, nuts, or cheese. Add protein like grilled chicken or turkey for a more substantial meal.
* **Quick to Prepare:** This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Salad:

* **Apples:** 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and diced. A mix of apple varieties is a great option!
* **Walnuts:** 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted. Toasting the walnuts is *crucial* for enhancing their flavor and texture.
* **Dried Cranberries:** 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference.
* **Mixed Greens:** 5 ounces mixed greens (such as spring mix, baby spinach, or romaine lettuce).
* **Cheese (Optional):** 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta cheese. The cheese adds a creamy and tangy element that complements the other flavors beautifully. For a vegan option, omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
* **Red Onion (Optional):** 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
* **Celery (Optional):** 1/2 cup diced celery. Adds a refreshing crunch.

### For the Cranberry Vinaigrette:

* **Cranberry Sauce:** 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade). Leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving is perfect!
* **Olive Oil:** 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Adds a tangy kick.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Helps emulsify the vinaigrette and adds a subtle savory note.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup. Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large bowl
* Small bowl or jar
* Whisk or fork
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Toasting pan or skillet

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Toast the Walnuts:

Toasting the walnuts is a simple step that makes a world of difference. It brings out their nutty flavor and gives them a satisfying crunch.

* **Oven Method:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them carefully, as they can burn easily.
* **Stovetop Method:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Again, keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Once toasted, remove the walnuts from the heat and let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

### 2. Prepare the Cranberry Vinaigrette:

This cranberry vinaigrette is the star of the show! It’s sweet, tart, and perfectly balanced.

* In a small bowl or jar, combine the cranberry sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup.
* Whisk or shake well until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, or more apple cider vinegar if you prefer a tangier one.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### 3. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

* Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. A salad spinner is very helpful for this.
* Core and dice the apples. If you’re not serving the salad immediately, toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
* If using, thinly slice the red onion and dice the celery.
* If using, crumble the goat cheese, blue cheese, or feta cheese.

### 4. Assemble the Salad:

* In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion (optional), and celery (optional).
* Gently toss the ingredients together to combine.
* Just before serving, drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
* Gently toss the salad again to coat the ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette.
* If using, sprinkle the crumbled cheese over the salad.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or pork. It’s also a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.

## Tips and Variations

* **Make-Ahead Tip:** You can prepare the salad ingredients and the vinaigrette separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the salad ingredients together, drizzle with the vinaigrette, and sprinkle with cheese (if using).
* **Apple Variations:** Experiment with different types of apples. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all great choices. For a visually appealing salad, use a mix of red and green apples.
* **Nut Variations:** If you don’t have walnuts on hand, you can substitute pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just be sure to toast them before adding them to the salad.
* **Cheese Variations:** Goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta cheese are all delicious in this salad. If you’re not a fan of strong cheeses, try using a mild cheddar or mozzarella.
* **Protein Addition:** For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, turkey, or shrimp to the salad.
* **Vegan Option:** Omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the vinaigrette.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a little heat.
* **Add Some Herbs:** Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme can add a fresh and aromatic touch to the salad.
* **Fruit Variations:** Consider adding other fruits like pears, grapes, or mandarin oranges for an even more complex flavor profile.
* **Cranberry Sauce Variations:** Use different flavors of cranberry sauce to change the flavor profile of the vinaigrette. Orange cranberry sauce or spiced cranberry sauce would both be delicious.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 5-10g (depending on cheese)
* Cholesterol: 10-20mg (depending on cheese)
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 5-10g

*Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It’s always a good idea to calculate the nutritional information based on the exact ingredients you use.*

## Serving Suggestions

This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Lunch:** Enjoy it as a light and refreshing lunch.
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to your next potluck – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
* **Appetizer:** Serve it as an appetizer before a larger meal.
* **Salad Bar:** Include it in a salad bar for a customizable meal option.
* **With Protein:** Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or pork for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Storage Instructions

* **Salad:** It’s best to store the salad and vinaigrette separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the vinaigrette in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Leftovers:** Leftovers are best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The apples may start to brown slightly, but the salad will still be delicious.

## Conclusion

This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is a delightful and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a festive side dish, or a refreshing addition to your next potluck, this salad is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of fall in every bite! Happy salad-making!