As the vibrant colors of autumn paint the trees, I find myself gravitating toward fresh, crisp flavors that reflect the season. It was during one of those cozy weekends, with the scent of falling leaves in the air, that I decided to whip up this delightful Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries. Picture the juicy crunch of a red apple mingling with tangy cranberries and the satisfying sweetness of candied nuts—a trio that dances on your taste buds.
This salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients that can transform any meal into something special. Whether you’re looking for an elegant side dish for a gathering or a refreshing lunch for yourself, this recipe ticks all the boxes. With minimal time and effort required, you’ll have a show-stopping salad that impresses family and friends alike, leaving them wondering how something so delicious could be so easy to prepare. Let’s dive into this tasty creation!
Why is this Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries a Must-Try?
Deliciousness Awaits: This salad combines the sweetness of apples, the tartness of cranberries, and the crunchy goodness of candied walnuts for a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal cooking involved, this recipe is perfect for those who want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Colorful Presentation: A vibrant mix of colors not only makes it visually appealing but also adds a healthy twist to your meals.
Versatile Side Dish: Great for any occasion—be it a family dinner or a holiday gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with various dishes.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with nutritious elements like fresh fruits and nuts, this salad is a delightful way to incorporate more veggies into your diet!
Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for this delicious Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries.
For the Salad
- 1 red apple – Finely sliced for juicy crunch that brightens up the dish.
- Squeeze of lemon juice – Adds a zesty kick and prevents the apples from browning.
- 120 g mixed salad leaves – Provides a fresh, vibrant base for your salad.
- 1/2 red onion – Thinly sliced to impart a mild sweetness and color contrast.
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries – Their tartness balances the sweetness of the apples.
- 2 tbsp feta or goat cheese – Crumbled on top to add a creamy texture (optional).
For the Candied Nuts
- 1 tbsp butter – Salted, for toasting the nuts and adding a rich flavor.
- 1/4 cup white sugar – Sweetens the nuts, creating that irresistible candy coating.
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans – The star of the show, providing crunch and heartiness.
For the Dressing
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar – Adds acidity for a balanced flavor.
- 4 tbsp olive oil – Offers richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard – Brings a slight tanginess and depth to the mix.
- 1.5 tsp white sugar – To enhance sweetness, balancing the vinegar’s acidity.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Elevates the flavors and ties the salad together.
- 1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a hint of spice to the dressing.
How to Make Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
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Melt and Stir: Begin by placing the butter in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the white sugar, stir briefly, and let it sit until the sugar mostly melts and begins to bubble.
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Add Nuts: When you see those lovely bubbles, add your walnuts or pecans to the skillet. Stir for about 2 minutes until they are well-coated and fragrant. Then, pour them onto a parchment paper-lined tray, spreading them out to cool. Roughly chop half of the nuts and leave some whole for texture.
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Soak Cranberries: In a bowl, take your dried cranberries and pour over freshly boiled water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then drain well. This will plump them up and enhance their flavor.
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Prep Apples: Drizzle a squeeze of lemon juice over the finely sliced apple. Toss the slices gently to ensure they are coated, preventing browning and adding a fresh, zesty note.
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Whisk Dressing: In a jar, combine the cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, white sugar, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake well until the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed salad leaves, half of the apple slices, and all of the finely sliced red onion. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently to coat everything well.
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Finish and Serve: Scatter the plumped cranberries, the desired amount of candied nuts, your remaining apple slices, and feta or goat cheese on top. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing and serve immediately for the freshest taste!
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like mint or parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries is a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can prepare the candied nuts and the salad dressing up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To keep the apples from browning, squeeze lemon juice over them just before serving, or you can slice them up up to 24 hours ahead and store them in a container with a little lemon juice. When you’re ready to serve, combine the salad ingredients, drizzle with dressing, and scatter the cranberries and nuts on top for a fresh and vibrant meal simply bursting with flavor!
Tips for the Best Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
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Apple Choice: Use crisp, sweet red apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and crunch in your Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries.
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Soaking Time: Don’t skip soaking the cranberries! This step helps them rehydrate, enhancing their flavor and texture when added to the salad.
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Layering Flavors: Toss salad ingredients gently to coat them evenly with dressing—over-tossing can bruise greens and make them soggy.
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Nut Variations: Feel free to mix nuts! Pecans and walnuts both add unique flavors and textures, so experiment to find your favorite blend.
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Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your taste; if your apples are especially sweet, you may want to reduce it slightly.
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Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembling. If you prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate to avoid sogginess.
Apple Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful salad and make it your own with these tasty twists!
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Nuts Swap: Use almonds or macadamia nuts for a different nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully. The unique taste of each nut brings an exciting new character to the dish.
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Cheese Variations: Try blue cheese or goat cheese instead of feta for a stronger flavor contrast that adds depth. The pungent essence of blue cheese is sure to enchant your palate!
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Fruit Twist: Add slices of juicy pear or tart pomegranate seeds for a fruity blend that enhances the salad’s sweetness. The combination of flavors will create a mini fruit explosion in each bite.
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Vegan Option: Substitute maple syrup for the sugar and use a plant-based butter alternative to make this salad completely vegan-friendly. You won’t miss the traditional ingredients with these changes!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced jalapeños to the dressing for a kick that elevates the flavors and adds delightful heat. Spice lovers will adore this fiery twist!
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil to the salad for a refreshing pop of flavor that brightens each bite. The herbal aroma will elevate your senses and make the salad even more inviting.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate orange or lime zest into the dressing for an added layer of brightness that perfectly complements the fruit. This extra zing will make the salad truly unforgettable!
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Dried Fruit Mix: Switch cranberries for dried apricots or cherries for a different fruity touch and a hint of sweetness that will surprise your taste buds. The varied textures keep it interesting with each forkful.
What to Serve with Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries?
Create a delightful dining experience by pairing this refreshing salad with complementary dishes that elevate its flavors.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky chicken pairs perfectly with the sweet tartness of the salad, making for a well-rounded meal that feels satisfying.
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Quinoa Pilaf: A light, fluffy quinoa pilaf with herbs not only adds texture but also reinforces the salad’s fresh ingredients, creating a colorful plate.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These tender, caramelized bites bring warmth and sweetness to the table, balancing out the salad’s bright and zesty notes.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses—like sharp cheddar or creamy brie—offers contrasting flavors that guests can enjoy with the salad’s crunchy nuts and fruits.
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Lemon-Garlic Shrimp: This dish’s bright flavors echo the apple and lemon in the salad, while the shrimp’s tenderness creates a luxurious counterpart to the crunchiness.
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Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts, with their tangy glaze, not only enhance the meal’s visual appeal but also provide a striking flavor contrast.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine complements the salad beautifully, with its fruity notes and crisp acidity enhancing every bite.
Indulge in these pairings for an unforgettable meal that will leave your guests craving more!
How to Store and Freeze Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts
Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, ensuring to keep the dressing separate to maintain the freshness of the greens.
Nuts Storage: Keep any remaining candied walnuts in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks to keep their crunch intact.
Reheating: If the salad has been dressed and you’re planning to enjoy it later, refreshing it with a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice can revive its flavors.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries, as the texture of the apples and greens will change when thawed. Enjoy fresh!
Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this salad?
I recommend using crisp, sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. These varieties provide a juicy crunch and delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and rich candied walnuts.
How do I store leftover Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the greens fresh and prevent sogginess, make sure to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I freeze this salad for later?
It’s not recommended to freeze this Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries. The texture of the apples and salad greens will change significantly once thawed, making them less enjoyable. I suggest making it fresh whenever possible!
How can I prevent the apples from browning?
To prevent your apple slices from browning, simply drizzle them with a squeeze of lemon juice immediately after slicing. Toss the slices gently to ensure they’re coated, which will keep them looking fresh and appetizing.
What should I do if my candied walnuts are sticky?
If your candied walnuts turn out sticky after cooling, simply spread them out again on parchment paper and let them sit at room temperature for an hour or two. If they’re still sticky, you can place them in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°F) for about 10 minutes to dry them out a bit.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you’re preparing this salad for guests, be mindful of common allergies. The recipe includes nuts, dairy (if using feta or goat cheese), and sugar. If someone has a nut allergy, you can use sunflower seeds as a crunchy alternative.
Delicious Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add white sugar and let it bubble.
- Add walnuts or pecans. Stir for about 2 minutes until coated and fragrant, then spread on parchment to cool.
- Soak dried cranberries in boiled water for about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Drizzle lemon juice over apple slices and toss to prevent browning.
- In a jar, combine dressing ingredients: cider vinegar, olive oil, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper. Shake well.
- In a large bowl, combine salad leaves, half of the apple slices, and red onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss.
- Top with cranberries, candied nuts, remaining apple slices, and cheese. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve.