There’s something utterly nostalgic about the crisp bite of an apple paired with the warmth of toasted walnuts. When I first made this Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries, it was on a chilly fall afternoon while craving something refreshing yet hearty. I tossed together what I had on hand: sweet apples, earthy walnuts, salty feta, and a handful of dried cranberries. The result? A salad so perfectly balanced in taste and texture that it instantly became a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a stunning side dish for your holiday table, this salad checks all the boxes.
What Is Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries
Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries is a fresh, vibrant salad made with crisp apple slices, crunchy walnuts, creamy feta cheese, and sweet dried cranberries layered over leafy greens. It’s typically finished with a light vinaigrette that brings all the components together into a perfect medley. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s sweet, savory, and fresh all at once, making it perfect for any season or occasion.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
You’ll adore this salad not just for its appearance but for how fast and easy it is to prepare. No cooking, no fancy equipment, just a few wholesome ingredients tossed together in minutes. It’s the ideal choice for busy weeknights, special dinners, or even as a colorful contribution to a potluck or picnic. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to personal preferences or dietary needs.
How Does It Taste?
This salad is all about contrast in the best way possible. The apples bring sweetness and crunch, the feta adds a salty creaminess, and the walnuts contribute a deep, earthy flavor with a satisfying bite. The dried cranberries give a subtle chewiness and extra sweetness. Paired with a bright vinaigrette, every forkful is lively and satisfying.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients.
- Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C
- Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and omega-3s, great for brain and heart health
- Feta cheese adds calcium and protein
- Dried cranberries offer antioxidants and a touch of natural sweetness
- Leafy greens like spinach or romaine bring iron, folate, and a healthy dose of vitamins A and K
Together, these ingredients form a nutrient-rich, immune-boosting powerhouse.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make this Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries:
- Fresh apples (such as Gala or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- Baby spinach or chopped romaine
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Toasted walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Optional: red onion slices or green onion
- Dressing: honey mustard, balsamic vinaigrette, or apple cider vinaigrette
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need much to make this salad, just:
- A large salad bowl
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small jar or bowl for dressing
- Salad tongs or serving utensils
Optional Substitutions & Additions
Make this salad your own with these ideas:
- Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier flavor
- Add grilled chicken or salmon for protein
- Swap walnuts with pecans or sliced almonds
- Toss in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch
- Use mixed greens, arugula, or kale in place of spinach
- Add a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds for a festive touch
How to Make
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and thinly slice the apples. If using romaine, chop it into bite-size pieces.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast walnuts for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, layer the greens, apple slices, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta.
- Add dressing: Drizzle your chosen vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
What to Serve With
This salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or salmon
- Butternut squash soup or creamy potato soup
- Freshly baked bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables or a grain bowl
It also works well as a side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or brunch gatherings.
Tips for Success
- Slice apples just before serving to keep them from browning. If prepping ahead, toss them in a little lemon juice.
- Use fresh, crisp apples to maintain texture.
- Toast the walnuts for the best flavor and crunch.
- Dress the salad right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using mealy or overly soft apples. Always choose crisp varieties.
- Overdressing the salad, which can overwhelm the other flavors.
- Adding dressing too early. Always wait until just before serving.
- Not toasting the nuts. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
How to Store & Reheat
To store: Keep leftover salad undressed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately.
To reheat: Since this is a cold salad, there’s no reheating needed. However, if you’ve added a protein like chicken, you can warm that separately before adding it back to the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the components in advance and store them separately. Assemble and dress right before serving.
Can I use bottled dressing?
Absolutely. Choose a good-quality vinaigrette like honey mustard, balsamic, or apple cider for best results.
Is this salad vegan?
As written, it contains feta cheese, but you can substitute with a plant-based alternative to make it vegan.
Can I use green apples instead of red?
Yes. Green apples will give it a more tart flavor, which balances nicely with the sweet cranberries.
Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 16g
- Sodium: 300mg
Based on 4 servings and including vinaigrette
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or contributing to a festive spread, this Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its fresh flavors, crunchy texture, and beautiful colors make it as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. Try it once and it’ll quickly become a staple in your salad rotation.
Print
Sweet, Tangy, and Crunchy: Apple Walnut Feta Salad with Cranberries
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A fresh and flavorful salad made with crisp apples, toasted walnuts, creamy feta, and sweet dried cranberries over a bed of greens. Perfect for fall, holiday meals, or a refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
6 cups baby spinach or chopped romaine
2 medium red apples, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup sliced red onion (optional)
1/3 cup honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
1. Wash and prepare all produce. Thinly slice the apples and chop the romaine if using.
2. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine greens, apple slices, cranberries, walnuts, and crumbled feta.
4. Add optional sliced red onion if using.
5. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
6. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.
Notes
To prevent apples from browning if prepping ahead, toss them in a little lemon juice.
Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor.
Use goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative if preferred.
Pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (to toast walnuts)
- Category: lunch
- Method: Tossed
Keywords: apple walnut feta salad, cranberry apple salad, fall salad recipe, spinach apple salad, easy holiday salad, sweet and savory salad
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