Apple Walnut Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe

A family favorite since 1995! This vibrant Apple Walnut Salad boasts a tangy cranberry vinaigrette that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Inspired by Bon Appetit, this recipe features crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of sweetness, perfectly balanced by the tart cranberry dressing. Elevate it further with crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for an extra layer of creamy, savory flavor. Perfect for a light lunch, holiday gathering, or a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 437.1 kcal
Protein 3g
Rating 4.6 (7 Reviews)
Apple Walnut Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apple Walnut Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

  • Fresh Cranberries
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • Red Onion
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Dijon Mustard
  • Vegetable Oil
  • Mixed Baby Greens
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), thinly sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves

How to Make Apple Walnut Salad With Cranberry Vinaigrette

  1. Puree 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries in a food processor until completely smooth.
  2. Add 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to the food processor. Process until well blended.
  3. With the food processor running, gradually add 1/2 cup olive oil and process until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
  4. Transfer the cranberry vinaigrette to a medium bowl.
  5. Season the vinaigrette to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 day) to allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Bring the dressing to room temperature and whisk gently before using.
  8. Combine 5 cups mixed greens and 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), thinly sliced or diced, in a large bowl.
  9. Pour enough cranberry vinaigrette over the salad to coat evenly. Toss gently to combine.
  10. Sprinkle 1/2 cup walnut halves over the salad.
  11. Serve immediately, passing any remaining dressing separately. Consider adding crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola for an extra decadent touch!

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

41g

Fat

26g

Carbs

4g

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