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Apple Cranberry Salad With Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe

This vibrant and festive Apple Cranberry Salad, inspired by Cook's Illustrated, is a showstopper for any holiday gathering or weeknight dinner. Sweet and tart apples dance with juicy cranberries and crunchy walnuts in a creamy, zesty lemon vinaigrette. Looking for a substitution? Raisins work perfectly in place of cranberries! Prepare this stunning salad in just 15 minutes.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Calories 217.3 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Apple Cranberry Salad With Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Salad With Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette

  • Granny Smith Apples
  • Lemon
  • Canola Oil
  • Heavy Cream
  • Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper
  • Celery Rib
  • Dried Cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • Boston Lettuce

How to Make Apple Cranberry Salad With Creamy Lemon Vinaigrette

  1. In a medium bowl, toss 2 cups diced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, ¼ cup olive oil, and 2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche.
  3. Season the dressing generously with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add ½ cup chopped celery, ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins), and ½ cup chopped walnuts to the apples.
  5. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture.
  6. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
  7. Serve immediately on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

32g

Fat

14g

Carbs

5g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

15 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Low Protein Healthy Salads Fruit Vegetables Easy No Cook Salad Dressings Nuts Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Calorie Low Carb Healthy 2 Low In Something Apples Greens Lettuces Technique