![- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup apple, diced (preferably a sweeter variety) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is full of great flavors and textures. The mix of greens adds a fresh crunch. Dried cranberries bring a sweet touch, while walnuts add a nice nutty flavor. The feta cheese gives a creamy bite that balances everything out. For extra taste, you might add red onion for a sharp note and diced apple for sweetness. They make the salad even more interesting. Now let's talk about the dressing. It’s super easy to make. The olive oil and apple cider vinegar give it a light tang. Honey adds sweetness, and the salt and pepper round out the flavor. You can adjust these to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out Cranberry Bliss & Walnut Delight. It's simple, quick, and tasty! - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Set dressing aside for later use. - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. - Toast walnut halves for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened. - In a large bowl, mix the salad greens. - Gently fold in remaining ingredients: cranberries, walnuts, feta, onion, and apple. - Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. This salad is best served fresh. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the dressing separately. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. Enjoy your colorful and tasty salad! - Serve immediately for the freshest taste. - Use clear glass bowls to display vibrant colors. - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed. - Consider adding fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. - Garnish each serving with extra feta and whole walnuts. When serving your Cranberry Walnut Salad, keep it simple and fresh. I always recommend you enjoy it right away. This salad tastes best when the greens are crisp and bright. Using clear glass bowls makes the colors pop. You can see the reds from cranberries, the greens of the salad, and the browns of the walnuts. If you want to make the flavors sing, taste your salad first. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey to balance the flavors. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also brighten your dish. They add a lovely aroma and extra taste. For the best look, think about how you plate your salad. Adding extra feta and a few whole walnuts on top makes each plate inviting. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it will look beautiful on the table. For the Full Recipe, you can follow the detailed steps to create this delicious dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your salad by changing the dressing. One fun idea is to substitute honey with maple syrup. This swap adds a nice, rich sweetness. Another option is to try balsamic vinaigrette. Its tangy taste pairs well with the cranberries and walnuts. You can boost your salad by adding extra ingredients. Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. This makes the salad more filling and nutritious. You can also experiment with different nuts. Try using pecans or almonds for a new crunch. If you're looking for vegan options, you can make this salad vegan. Simply omit the cheese and choose a plant-based dressing. The salad remains tasty and satisfying without it. For those needing gluten-free choices, you’re in luck! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this adaptable salad in many ways! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps your salad fresh. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. After this time, the greens may wilt and lose taste. Prepare the dressing and ingredients separately to maintain freshness. This way, your salad stays crisp. Mix everything just before serving for the best texture. You can chop the greens and other ingredients a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The greens will change texture and become mushy. For the best taste, enjoy your salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for future use. Cranberries and walnuts pack a powerful punch. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. Cranberries support heart health and boost immunity. They also help prevent urinary tract infections. Walnuts are great for your brain. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain function. Together, they make this salad a smart choice for your health. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. Chop and store the ingredients in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. Mix the dressing right before serving for the best taste. This method helps you save time and still enjoy fresh flavors. You can easily customize this salad. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. Use a plant-based dressing instead. If you have nut allergies, swap walnuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. This salad is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to fit your needs. For a gluten-free version, all ingredients are naturally safe to use. Try the full recipe to enjoy this tasty and nutritious salad! This blog post covered a delicious mixed salad recipe. You learned about key ingredients like salad greens, cranberries, and walnuts. We also explored optional add-ins and tasty dressings. Remember to serve it fresh, and feel free to customize flavors to your liking. Whether vegan or gluten-free, this salad fits many diets. Enjoy creating this vibrant dish, and don't hesitate to mix in your favorite flavors. A healthy, colorful salad can boost any meal!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a5790b4-9de4-48bd-92a9-ca3fcb765bd0-768x768.webp)
Looking for a fresh, tasty, and nutritious salad? The Cranberry Walnut Salad is your answer! This colorful dish balances sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta on a bed of vibrant greens. Whether you want a healthy side or a main meal, this salad fits the bill. Join me as we dive into the ingredients, quick steps, and handy tips to make this delightful recipe your new favorite!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional Add-ins
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup apple, diced (preferably a sweeter variety)
Dressing Components
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
This salad is full of great flavors and textures. The mix of greens adds a fresh crunch. Dried cranberries bring a sweet touch, while walnuts add a nice nutty flavor. The feta cheese gives a creamy bite that balances everything out.
For extra taste, you might add red onion for a sharp note and diced apple for sweetness. They make the salad even more interesting.
Now let’s talk about the dressing. It’s super easy to make. The olive oil and apple cider vinegar give it a light tang. Honey adds sweetness, and the salt and pepper round out the flavor. You can adjust these to fit your taste.
For the full recipe, check out Cranberry Bliss & Walnut Delight. It’s simple, quick, and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Dressing
– Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
– Set dressing aside for later use.
Toasting the Walnuts
– Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
– Toast walnut halves for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened.
Assembling the Salad
– In a large bowl, mix the salad greens.
– Gently fold in remaining ingredients: cranberries, walnuts, feta, onion, and apple.
– Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently.
This salad is best served fresh. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the dressing separately. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. Enjoy your colorful and tasty salad!
Tips & Tricks
Serving Suggestions
– Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
– Use clear glass bowls to display vibrant colors.
Adjusting Flavors
– Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
– Consider adding fresh herbs for enhanced flavor.
Presentation Techniques
– Garnish each serving with extra feta and whole walnuts.
When serving your Cranberry Walnut Salad, keep it simple and fresh. I always recommend you enjoy it right away. This salad tastes best when the greens are crisp and bright. Using clear glass bowls makes the colors pop. You can see the reds from cranberries, the greens of the salad, and the browns of the walnuts.
If you want to make the flavors sing, taste your salad first. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey to balance the flavors. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also brighten your dish. They add a lovely aroma and extra taste.
For the best look, think about how you plate your salad. Adding extra feta and a few whole walnuts on top makes each plate inviting. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it will look beautiful on the table.
For the Full Recipe, you can follow the detailed steps to create this delicious dish.
Variations
Dressings to Try
You can switch up the flavor of your salad by changing the dressing. One fun idea is to substitute honey with maple syrup. This swap adds a nice, rich sweetness. Another option is to try balsamic vinaigrette. Its tangy taste pairs well with the cranberries and walnuts.
Additional Ingredients
You can boost your salad by adding extra ingredients. Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. This makes the salad more filling and nutritious. You can also experiment with different nuts. Try using pecans or almonds for a new crunch.
Dietary Modification
If you’re looking for vegan options, you can make this salad vegan. Simply omit the cheese and choose a plant-based dressing. The salad remains tasty and satisfying without it. For those needing gluten-free choices, you’re in luck! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this adaptable salad in many ways! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe].
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps your salad fresh. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. After this time, the greens may wilt and lose taste.
Prepping Ahead
Prepare the dressing and ingredients separately to maintain freshness. This way, your salad stays crisp. Mix everything just before serving for the best texture. You can chop the greens and other ingredients a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge.
Freezing Recommendations
Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The greens will change texture and become mushy. For the best taste, enjoy your salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for future use.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of cranberries and walnuts?
Cranberries and walnuts pack a powerful punch. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. Cranberries support heart health and boost immunity. They also help prevent urinary tract infections. Walnuts are great for your brain. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain function. Together, they make this salad a smart choice for your health.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. Chop and store the ingredients in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. Mix the dressing right before serving for the best taste. This method helps you save time and still enjoy fresh flavors.
How can I customize the salad for dietary restrictions?
You can easily customize this salad. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. Use a plant-based dressing instead. If you have nut allergies, swap walnuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. This salad is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to fit your needs. For a gluten-free version, all ingredients are naturally safe to use.
Try the full recipe to enjoy this tasty and nutritious salad!
This blog post covered a delicious mixed salad recipe. You learned about key ingredients like salad greens, cranberries, and walnuts. We also explored optional add-ins and tasty dressings. Remember to serve it fresh, and feel free to customize flavors to your liking. Whether vegan or gluten-free, this salad fits many diets. Enjoy creating this vibrant dish, and don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite flavors. A healthy, colorful salad can boost any meal!
![- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and baby kale) - 1 cup dried cranberries - 1 cup walnut halves, lightly toasted - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup apple, diced (preferably a sweeter variety) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This salad is full of great flavors and textures. The mix of greens adds a fresh crunch. Dried cranberries bring a sweet touch, while walnuts add a nice nutty flavor. The feta cheese gives a creamy bite that balances everything out. For extra taste, you might add red onion for a sharp note and diced apple for sweetness. They make the salad even more interesting. Now let's talk about the dressing. It’s super easy to make. The olive oil and apple cider vinegar give it a light tang. Honey adds sweetness, and the salt and pepper round out the flavor. You can adjust these to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out Cranberry Bliss & Walnut Delight. It's simple, quick, and tasty! - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. - Set dressing aside for later use. - Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. - Toast walnut halves for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened. - In a large bowl, mix the salad greens. - Gently fold in remaining ingredients: cranberries, walnuts, feta, onion, and apple. - Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently. This salad is best served fresh. If you want to make it ahead, prepare the dressing separately. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps. Enjoy your colorful and tasty salad! - Serve immediately for the freshest taste. - Use clear glass bowls to display vibrant colors. - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or honey as needed. - Consider adding fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. - Garnish each serving with extra feta and whole walnuts. When serving your Cranberry Walnut Salad, keep it simple and fresh. I always recommend you enjoy it right away. This salad tastes best when the greens are crisp and bright. Using clear glass bowls makes the colors pop. You can see the reds from cranberries, the greens of the salad, and the browns of the walnuts. If you want to make the flavors sing, taste your salad first. You can add more salt, pepper, or honey to balance the flavors. Fresh herbs, like basil or mint, can also brighten your dish. They add a lovely aroma and extra taste. For the best look, think about how you plate your salad. Adding extra feta and a few whole walnuts on top makes each plate inviting. Your guests will appreciate the effort, and it will look beautiful on the table. For the Full Recipe, you can follow the detailed steps to create this delicious dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your salad by changing the dressing. One fun idea is to substitute honey with maple syrup. This swap adds a nice, rich sweetness. Another option is to try balsamic vinaigrette. Its tangy taste pairs well with the cranberries and walnuts. You can boost your salad by adding extra ingredients. Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. This makes the salad more filling and nutritious. You can also experiment with different nuts. Try using pecans or almonds for a new crunch. If you're looking for vegan options, you can make this salad vegan. Simply omit the cheese and choose a plant-based dressing. The salad remains tasty and satisfying without it. For those needing gluten-free choices, you’re in luck! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this adaptable salad in many ways! For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps your salad fresh. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. After this time, the greens may wilt and lose taste. Prepare the dressing and ingredients separately to maintain freshness. This way, your salad stays crisp. Mix everything just before serving for the best texture. You can chop the greens and other ingredients a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Freezing is not recommended for this salad. The greens will change texture and become mushy. For the best taste, enjoy your salad fresh. If you have leftover dressing, you can freeze it for future use. Cranberries and walnuts pack a powerful punch. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats. Cranberries support heart health and boost immunity. They also help prevent urinary tract infections. Walnuts are great for your brain. They contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for brain function. Together, they make this salad a smart choice for your health. Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead. Chop and store the ingredients in the fridge. Keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy greens. Mix the dressing right before serving for the best taste. This method helps you save time and still enjoy fresh flavors. You can easily customize this salad. For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese. Use a plant-based dressing instead. If you have nut allergies, swap walnuts for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin. This salad is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to fit your needs. For a gluten-free version, all ingredients are naturally safe to use. Try the full recipe to enjoy this tasty and nutritious salad! This blog post covered a delicious mixed salad recipe. You learned about key ingredients like salad greens, cranberries, and walnuts. We also explored optional add-ins and tasty dressings. Remember to serve it fresh, and feel free to customize flavors to your liking. Whether vegan or gluten-free, this salad fits many diets. Enjoy creating this vibrant dish, and don't hesitate to mix in your favorite flavors. A healthy, colorful salad can boost any meal!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7a5790b4-9de4-48bd-92a9-ca3fcb765bd0-250x250.webp)
