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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

4.94 from 269 votes
close up view of spinach, arugula, sliced apples, and nuts
This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad features crisp apples, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and hearty walnuts to create the perfect Autumn-inspired salad. It is an easy and delicious side dish for any of your favorite meals!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings:6 servings

Ingredients

  • 6 cups salad , (I used a combination of arugula and baby spinach, any spring green mix will do)
  • 1 red apple
  • 1 green apple
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped, (such as Diamond of California)
  • 4-6 bacon strips, cooked and chopped (optional)
  • cup crumbled feta cheese
  • cup dried cranberries

Dressing

  • 1 cup apple juice
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, (or white vinegar in a pinch)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup oil

Candied Walnuts (optional)

  • 1 cup walnut halves
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Core and chop apples (thin slices or 1 inch chunks). Toss lettuce, apples, walnuts, feta, bacon (if using) and cranberries together in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together all dressing ingredients or combine in a jar and shake vigorously. Toss with salad immediately before serving. Enjoy!

Candied Walnuts

  • Line a baking sheet with greased parchment or a nonstick baking mat. In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, melt butter and sugar.
  • Once butter is melted, stir in the walnuts, salt, and cinnamon. Continue to stir til walnuts are well coated. Remove from heat and immediately spread walnuts out in a single layer on prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool 5-10 minutes.

Notes

Salad dressing: Poppy seed or balsamic dressing also work really well with this salad. 
Walnuts: candying the walnuts is completely optional! Feel free to add them in raw, toasted, or even swap them out for another nut like pecans. 
*This recipe and the photos have been updated to include candied walnuts and bacon (both completely optional). 

Nutrition

Calories: 460 kcal, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 9 g, Fat: 36 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 4 mg, Sodium: 283 mg, Potassium: 364 mg, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 22 g, Vitamin A: 496 IU, Vitamin C: 13 mg, Calcium: 53 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Author: Tiffany