Introduction
This salad is a vibrant mix of crisp apples, toasted walnuts, tart dried cranberries, and fresh greens, all brought together with a sweet and tangy maple vinaigrette. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor—perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or a light, refreshing lunch.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, or baby spinach)
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup walnuts (toasted)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Maple Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
👩🍳 Instructions & Method
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, for 3–5 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Maple Dressing
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or shake until well emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl or on a serving platter, layer the mixed greens.
- Top with sliced apples, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, red onions, and feta cheese (if using).
Step 4: Dress the Salad
- Just before serving, drizzle the maple dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly, or serve the dressing on the side.
🌿 Tips & Variations
- Apple options: Honeycrisp is ideal for its crisp texture and sweet-tart balance.
- Nut alternatives: Pecans or candied nuts add a different twist.
- Cheese swap: Goat cheese or blue cheese can replace feta for a stronger flavor.
- Add protein: Top with grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for a complete meal.
🥗 Perfect For:
- Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
- Potlucks and brunches
- A quick, healthy lunch