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- 2 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, romaine) - 1 diced apple (Honeycrisp or Gala) - 1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup dried cranberries - 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup sliced red onion - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon honey (optional for sweetness) When I make this salad, I choose fresh, crisp apples. Honeycrisp or Gala apples add a nice sweetness. The mixed greens give a great base. I love using spinach, arugula, and romaine for their texture and flavor. Fresh cranberries make it bright and tart, while dried cranberries work too if fresh are not available. Toasted walnuts add crunch and nutty flavor. I always chop them roughly. Crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess. The sliced red onion gives a nice bite to the mix. For the dressing, I use olive oil and apple cider vinegar. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. I season it with salt and pepper. Sometimes, I add honey for a touch of sweetness. This dressing ties the salad together perfectly. By gathering these ingredients, you create a dish that is fresh, flavorful, and fun to eat. Each bite offers a mix of tastes and textures. Start with a large salad bowl. Combine the mixed salad greens, like spinach, arugula, and romaine. This mix brings great texture and flavor. Make sure the greens are clean and dry for the best crunch. Next, incorporate the diced apple, fresh cranberries, and toasted walnuts. If you prefer dried cranberries, those work well, too. Spread everything evenly in the bowl. The apple adds sweetness, while the walnuts provide a nice crunch. After that, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and thinly sliced red onion over the salad. The feta adds creaminess, and the onion gives a bit of bite. This combination makes the salad more exciting and flavorful. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey if you want some extra sweetness. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. This mix will tie all the flavors together nicely. Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Make sure to cover all the greens and toppings. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well combined. You want every ingredient to get a taste of that delicious dressing. You can serve the salad right away or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes. Chilling the salad lets the flavors meld. Either way, this salad looks and tastes amazing! For this salad, I love using Honeycrisp or Gala apples. These apples stay crisp and have the right amount of sweetness. They add a nice crunch and a juicy bite to your salad. If you want to try something different, Fuji or Pink Lady apples also work well. Always choose firm apples for the best texture. You can boost the flavor by adding fresh herbs. Try adding parsley or mint for a fresh taste. If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. You can also add pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness. These extras make your salad even more exciting. To make your salad look great, serve it in individual bowls. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy. You can also use a large platter for a family-style serving. Garnish with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of feta on top. For an artful touch, arrange a few apple slices around the salad. A beautiful display makes your meal more inviting and delicious. {{image_2}} You can make your Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad more filling by adding protein. Grilled chicken or sliced turkey breast works great. They add heartiness and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas. They are rich in protein and blend well with the salad. Just toss them in with the greens and fruits for a tasty boost. This salad shines with seasonal fruits and nuts. In spring, add strawberries or blueberries for a fresh twist. In fall, try pears or pomegranate seeds. You can also switch nuts based on what's available. Use pecans or hazelnuts to change the flavor profile. Seasonal ingredients keep the salad exciting and vibrant. The dressing can change the whole taste of the salad. If you want something zesty, try adding lemon juice. A balsamic vinaigrette gives a sweet and tangy kick. For a creamy touch, mix in yogurt with the olive oil and vinegar. Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite flavor combination. To keep your Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture and air from spoiling the greens. You can also place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This trick keeps the salad crisp and tasty. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. However, the greens may lose their crunch after the first day. If you notice wilting, it’s time to eat it! For best flavor, enjoy it as soon as possible. Some ingredients do not store well. Fresh cranberries can last longer, but diced apples will brown quickly. Feta cheese can also become soggy if left too long. If you plan to save leftovers, consider adding these items fresh the next time you serve. Yes, you can prep this salad ahead of time. I suggest washing and chopping the greens first. Store them in a sealed container to keep them fresh. Dice the apple just before serving to prevent browning. You can mix the dressing and store it separately. This way, the salad stays crisp and fresh. Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients, like greens, fruits, and nuts, are safe for those avoiding gluten. Always check labels for any pre-packaged items, like feta cheese, to be sure they meet gluten-free standards. If you want to switch out the walnuts, try using pecans or almonds. Both add a nice crunch. Sunflower seeds also work well for a nut-free option. These substitutes keep the salad tasty and enjoyable. This salad combines fresh greens, crunchy apples, and feta cheese for tasty bites. Mixing olive oil with apple cider vinegar adds a tangy kick. You can personalize your salad by adding protein or seasonal fruits. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Making this salad is easy and fun. Enjoy creating your own versions with the tips provided. Let your creativity shine by trying new flavors and combinations. Happy salad making!

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Elevate your salad game with this delicious Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad! Packed with fresh greens, juicy apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, it's a perfect dish for any season. Toss it all together with a simple homemade dressing for a burst of flavor. Don't miss out on this vibrant recipe—click to explore all the details and bring this colorful salad to your table! #AppleCranberrySalad #HealthyEating #SaladRecipes #RecipeInspiration
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Ingredients
  

2 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, and romaine)

1 apple (such as Honeycrisp or Gala), diced

1 cup fresh cranberries (or 1/2 cup dried cranberries)

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens as the base for your salad.

    Add the Fruits and Nuts: Incorporate the diced apple, cranberries, and toasted walnuts into the greens. If using dried cranberries, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout.

      Add Feta and Onion: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and sliced red onion over the top of the salad mixture for added texture and flavor.

        Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, ensuring to cover it evenly. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is well combined and coated with the dressing.

            Serve Immediately or Chill: You can serve the salad right away or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes for the flavors to meld together.

              Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter, garnishing with extra walnuts and a sprinkle of feta on top for visual appeal. A few extra slices of apple arranged artfully can elevate the presentation!