Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

Created on November 24th, 2025 at 02:30 pm

Fresh, vibrant salad for any day

This Zesty Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is a delightful mix of crisp textures and bright flavors. The combination of tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries creates a wonderful balance that awakens the palate. Tossed in a light maple dressing, this salad embodies a refreshing quality, making it perfect for luncheons, dinner parties, or as a satisfying side dish. The vibrant colors—reds and greens—along with the sweet and nutty aromas, invite you to indulge in its layers of freshness and warmth.

This salad is not only visually appealing but also versatile and nourishing. The earthiness of the walnuts pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Each bite offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the smooth dressing, making it a satisfying option for both casual and formal meals. Whether served on its own or alongside a hearty dish, this salad promises to brightens your table with its simple, wholesome goodness.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad brings together ingredients that nurture both the body and spirit. The tartness of fresh apples complements the crunchy walnuts, while dried cranberries add a hint of sweetness. The maple dressing enhances these flavors, binding them together in a delightful harmony. The balance of sweetness and acidity keeps each bite interesting, making it a dish you’ll want to recreate often.

What’s appealing is its simplicity. You can have it prepared in no time, making it an ideal choice for weekday lunches or festive gatherings. Plus, it’s equally delicious the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Serve it as a light meal or a side—its adaptability makes it a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Time Breakdown

This salad is quick to assemble and perfect for busy days. Most of the time is spent prepping, and once everything is chopped, the salad comes together in minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients List

• 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for garnish

Kitchen Tools

This recipe keeps things straightforward with tools you likely have on hand. Prepare to make your cooking experience smooth and easy.

• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Whisk or fork
• Salad serving bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 
   

   Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they remain crisp and fresh. A tart apple will add a good balance of flavor to your salad.

   
   
2. 
   

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, mixed greens, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to create an even distribution of flavors.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. This simple dressing will bring out the natural sweetness of the apples and cranberries while balancing the salad.

   
   
4. 
   

   Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly without bruising the greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   
   
5. 
   

   If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for an added layer of flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

   
   

Pro Tips

• Choose a mix of apples for added flavor depth.
• Toast the walnuts lightly in a skillet for enhanced crunch and aroma.
• Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• Leftovers keep well for a day, but it’s best consumed fresh for optimal texture.

Fresh, Crunchy, and Satisfying

This Zesty Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something delightful. Bright, nourishing, and full of flavor, it makes for a versatile addition to any meal. Easy to prepare, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into both casual lunches and festive dinners. This salad showcases that healthy eating can be simple without sacrificing taste.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Zesty Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad

Marla Jennings

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries tossed in a light maple dressing.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), chopped Ensure they remain crisp and fresh.
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped Toast lightly for enhanced crunch if desired.
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

• crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for garnish Optional for added flavor.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they remain crisp and fresh.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, mixed greens, and red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together.

Dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil.
• Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

Serving

• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Choose a mix of apples for added flavor depth. Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Keyword Apple Salad, Cranberry Salad, Healthy Salad, Maple Dressing, Nut Salad