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Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
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A vibrant and refreshing Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries combining crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and mixed greens, tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, an impressive side, or a festive dish that balances tart, sweet, and nutty flavors with delightful textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), washed, cored, and chopped
  • 4 cups mixed greens or lettuce
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup candied walnuts
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Candied Walnuts

  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Additions

  • Squeeze of lemon juice (to toss apples and prevent browning)
  • Pinch of cinnamon or ginger (for spiced dressing)
  • Sliced pears or dried apricots for extra sweetness
  • Grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein boost

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them lightly with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and keep the apples crisp and colorful.
  2. Toast and Candy the Walnuts: In a dry skillet, gently toast the walnuts until fragrant. While still warm, coat them evenly with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet, crunchy coating.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens or lettuce, chopped apples, and dried cranberries to form a colorful and fresh foundation for the salad.
  4. Add Candied Walnuts and Cheese: Sprinkle the candied walnuts over the salad. If using, add crumbled feta cheese to introduce a salty creamy contrast that enhances the flavors.
  5. Dress and Toss: Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together to evenly coat the salad with the tangy dressing, ensuring every bite has balanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh apples to maintain crispness and freshness.
  • Prepare candied walnuts ahead of time to save preparation time on busy days.
  • Dress the salad just before serving to avoid sogginess and keep textures vibrant.
  • Adjust the quantity of dried cranberries and dressing to balance tartness and sweetness to your preference.
  • Chill apples and greens before assembling for an extra refreshing salad, especially in warm weather.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple salad, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, mixed greens, apple cider vinaigrette, gluten free, healthy salad, festive salad, light lunch, side dish

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/apple-salad-with-candied-walnuts-and-cranberries/