Description
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad with Feta is a refreshing, crisp salad that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. Fresh Granny Smith and Gala apples provide a vibrant crunch, complemented by chewy dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a bright, honey-Dijon apple vinaigrette over mixed greens, this salad is perfect for gatherings or a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
- 2 Gala apples, cored and diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Core and dice both varieties of apples, leaving the skin on for added color and texture.
- Place diced apples in a large bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of apple juice to prevent browning.
- Add dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens to the apples.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining apple juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Add crumbled feta cheese and fold in carefully to avoid breaking up the cheese too much.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts, or use goat cheese instead of feta for a milder flavor. To make ahead, prepare the dressing and chop apples, storing them separately from the greens to maintain freshness. Add apple juice to apples to prevent browning until ready to serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days, though greens may wilt. If salad seems watery after refrigeration, drain excess liquid before serving. For nut allergies, omit walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg