Looking for a fresh and delightful salad that’s easy to make? You’re in the right place! The Cranberry Walnut Salad combines crispy greens, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. It’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple dressing and easy prep, I’ll guide you step-by-step. You’ll impress friends and family with this tasty dish. Ready to dive into the fun of making this vibrant salad? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
– 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Gala or Fuji)
Dressing Ingredients
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
When making cranberry walnut salad, fresh ingredients matter. Start with four cups of mixed salad greens. I love combining arugula, spinach, and baby kale. Each green brings a crisp flavor.
Next, add a cup of dried cranberries. They give a sweet burst in every bite. Then, use a cup of walnut halves. Lightly toast them for richer taste and crunch.
For creaminess, crumbled feta cheese works wonders. Half a cup adds a salty flavor. Thinly slice a quarter cup of red onion for a nice kick. Lastly, include half a cup of diced apple. Gala or Fuji apples are best for their sweetness.
The dressing is simple but tasty. Pour a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil into a bowl. Mix in two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one tablespoon of honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.
This combination of ingredients creates a balanced salad. It has sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dressing
– Combine 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey.
– Add salt and pepper to your taste.
– Whisk until smooth and set aside.
Toasting the Walnuts
– Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
– Add 1 cup walnut halves.
– Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
Assembling the Salad
– Place 4 cups mixed greens in a large bowl.
– Gently fold in 1 cup dried cranberries, 1 cup toasted walnuts, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup diced apple.
Dressing and Serving
– Drizzle your dressing over the salad.
– Toss gently to coat all ingredients.
– Serve immediately in individual bowls.
This simple process creates a fresh and vibrant dish. Enjoy it as a side or a light main meal. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Salad
To make your cranberry walnut salad great, always toast your walnuts. Toasting brings out their rich flavor and crunch. You can do this easily in a dry skillet over medium heat for about five minutes. Stir them often until they smell nice. Also, remember to adjust the sweetness with honey. Start small and taste as you go. You want the flavors to blend well.
Serving Suggestions
For a stunning presentation, serve your salad in clear glass bowls. This way, the colors pop, and guests can see all the tasty ingredients. To make it look even better, add extra crumbled feta and whole walnuts on top. This adds both flavor and style, making your dish feel gourmet.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for overdressing your salad. Too much dressing can make it soggy. Aim for a light coating to keep the greens crisp. Another mistake is not cooling your toasted walnuts before adding them to the salad. Hot walnuts can wilt the greens, so let them cool first for the best texture.
Variations
Additions and Substitutions
You can change the nuts in the salad. Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds. Both nuts add a nice crunch. You can also add fruits. Try pears or citrus for extra flavor. These changes make the salad even more tasty. Get creative and use what you love!
Dietary Modifications
Want a vegan option? Just skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the salad sweet and plant-based. If you need gluten-free options, check your dressing. Many brands offer gluten-free choices. You can enjoy this salad while meeting your diet needs.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, it stays crisp and tasty. Aim to eat it within 1-2 days for the best flavor. The longer it sits, the less fresh it will taste.
Preparing Ahead
You can prepare parts of this salad in advance. Make the salad dressing ahead of time and store it separately. This helps keep the greens fresh and crunchy. You can also assemble the salad ingredients up to a day prior. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve. This will keep everything looking great and tasting fresh.
FAQs
Can I prepare Cranberry Walnut Salad in advance?
Yes, but store the dressing separately to keep greens fresh. This step is key. If you mix the dressing in too early, your greens can wilt. Keep them crisp by waiting until just before serving.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Goat cheese or nutritional yeast are excellent alternatives. Goat cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy taste. Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor for a vegan option. Both choices blend well with the other salad ingredients.
How can I add protein to this salad?
Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a protein boost. Grilled chicken adds a savory depth. Chickpeas provide a nice crunch and are great for plant-based diets. Tofu is a versatile choice that absorbs flavors well.
This blog post has shown you how to make a delicious Cranberry Walnut Salad. You learned about all the key ingredients, from fresh greens to tasty dressing. Toasting the walnuts adds a nice touch. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overdressing your salad.
You can also play with the recipe by using different nuts or fruits. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy meal any day. It’s all about fresh, vibrant flavors coming together. Happy salad making!
