Crisp Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Dried Cranberries

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A sweet and tangy salad featuring crisp apple slices, crunchy candied walnuts, and tart dried cranberries, all tossed in a light, flavorful dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or as an elegant side at dinner parties!
Yield
Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
For the Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- Pinch of salt
For the Salad
- 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, or lettuce spring mix)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Candy the Walnuts
- In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or coconut oil).
- Stir in the brown sugar (or other sweetener) and a pinch of salt until it begins to bubble.
- Add the walnuts and stir to coat them evenly for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer the candied walnuts to a parchment-lined plate or tray. Let them cool completely—they’ll harden as they cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl (or a jar with a tight-fitting lid), whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust, adding more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- Place the mixed greens in a large serving bowl.
- Top with sliced apples and dried cranberries.
- Scatter the cooled candied walnuts over the top.
- (Optional) Sprinkle crumbled feta for extra creaminess.
Step 4: Serve
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving or serve it on the side.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients, and enjoy immediately.
How the Salad Will Look
Vibrant greens topped with glossy, caramelized walnuts, ruby-red cranberries, and crisp apple slices. The dressing adds a subtle sheen that ties all the flavors together, making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: ~220, Fat: ~14g, Carbohydrates: ~20g, Protein: ~4g
Kitchen Tips
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Apple Choice: Honeycrisp or Fuji apples offer a sweet-tart crunch, while Granny Smith apples add extra tang.
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Protein Boosta; Add sliced grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
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Walnut Storage: Keep leftover candied walnuts in an airtight container for up to a week—perfect for topping oatmeal or yogurt.
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Dressing Storage: Refrigerate leftover dressing in a sealed container for up to 5 days; stir or shake well before using again.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle in some fresh basil or mint for a refreshing twist.
Enjoy this colorful, crunchy salad as a light meal or a crowd-pleasing side!