This tart Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a delightful mix of tangy Granny Smith apples, crunchy nuts, seeds, and savory bacon, all coming together for a burst of flavor. Creamy Gorgonzola Cheese adds the perfect balance, making this salad nothing short of heavenly.
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad combines crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts with a delightful dressing, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s loved for its balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Why Should You Make This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad?
- Easy to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for a quick family dinner or a festive gathering.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients that won’t break the bank.
If you like this salad recipe, you may also love Apple Pomegranate Salad or Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- How Do You Make This Easy Apple Cranberry and Walnut Salad?
- What are Some Substitutes for this Salad Recipe?
- How Can You Customize This Salad?
- Additional Tips for Making the Best Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
- What Equipment Do You Need?
- How Should You Store This Salad?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- How Do You Select The Best Apples For This Salad?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Butter Lettuce: This soft and tender lettuce forms the perfect base for our salad, giving it a fresh and light texture. Make sure to wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before using.
- Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best crunch and sweetness. Thinly slice them to ensure every bite has a bit of apple goodness.
- Bacon: Adding crumbled bacon brings a smoky and savory flavor that balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions add a subtle bite and a pop of color. If you prefer a milder taste, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
- Walnuts: These nuts add a satisfying crunch and are packed with healthy fats. Toast them lightly to bring out their natural flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: These little gems add a tart sweetness that complements the apples and balances the savory ingredients.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: Crumbled Gorgonzola adds a creamy and tangy element that ties all the flavors together. If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, feta or goat cheese works well too.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Also known as pepitas, pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor and extra crunch. They’re a great source of protein and healthy fats.
- Sunflower Seeds: These tiny seeds add a delicate crunch and are rich in nutrients. Sprinkle them generously for added texture.
Dressing
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the base of our simple dressing, adding a smooth and fruity flavor. Use the best quality you can find for the best results.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the dressing, perfectly complementing the other ingredients. A good aged balsamic vinegar will add depth to the flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Brings out all the other flavors in the salad.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
How Do You Make This Easy Apple Cranberry and Walnut Salad?
STEP ONE: Prepare the Base
Lay the red butter lettuce leaves at the bottom of a large salad bowl.
STEP TWO: Add Crunch and Sweetness
Top with sliced apples, walnuts, and dried cranberries for a perfect mix of sweet and crunchy.
STEP THREE: Add Additional Toppings
Add crumbled bacon, sliced red onions, seeds, and Gorgonzola cheese for depth of flavor.
STEP FOUR: Dress It Up
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper and drizzle over the salad. Toss gently to combine.
What are Some Substitutes for this Salad Recipe?
- Walnuts: Almonds or pecans can be used for a different kind of crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: Raisins or dried cherries are great alternatives.
- Gorgonzola Cheese: Feta or blue cheese can substitute for a milder or sharper taste.
How Can You Customize This Salad?
- Diet: Use a sugar-free dressing for a lower-calorie option.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the onions and Gorgonzola for a more kid-friendly version.
Additional Tips for Making the Best Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
Use a mandoline slicer to get perfectly thin apple slices.
What Equipment Do You Need?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Salad Tongs
- Colander or Salad Spinner
- Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
How Should You Store This Salad?
Store Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad is best if consumed within 24 hours.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the freshest taste, prepare this salad right before serving. If preparing ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving to keep everything crisp.
How Do You Select The Best Apples For This Salad?
Look for firm, crisp apples without bruises.
Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Store apples in the fridge with a squeeze of fresh lemon to keep them fresh longer.
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Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Excess apples? Try this Waldorf salad recipe.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Roasted Beet and Mandarin Orange Salad
- Roquefort Cheese Honeycrisp Apple Salad
- Char-Grilled Peach Salad
- Fall Salad Recipe: Kale, Delicata Squash, and Maple Dressing
- Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
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More fall recipes you will love:
Frequently Asked Questions
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji are ideal for their sweet flavor and firm texture.
Both are great choices; walnuts add a slightly bitter crunch, while pecans offer a sweeter, buttery flavor.
A typical serving of apple cranberry walnut salad has approximately 300-475 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
📖 Recipe
Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole red butter leaves or baby butter lettuce washed and leaves separated
- 2 small apples cored and thinly sliced
- 4 slices of bacon cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup Gorgonzola cheese crumbled
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, layer the butter lettuce leaves.
- Evenly distribute the apple slices over the lettuce, followed by the crumbled bacon and red onion slices.
- Sprinkle the walnuts, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds over the top.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure even distribution of the dressing. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is not just a salad; it's a fruity mix of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Try making it today and share your experience or explore related posts for more delicious recipes and tips.
Important Food Safety Tips
Cook bacon according to package instructions.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
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