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Fresh and Fruity Cranberry Apple Salad Recipe for Every Season

Fresh and Fruity Cranberry Apple Salad Recipe for Every Season - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious Cranberry Apple Salad. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 3 medium crisp apples (I like Granny Smith for tartness, but Honeycrisp works beautifully too)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional, adds a gentle bite)
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach (for a fresh base)
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but adds a lovely creamy tang)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (for a touch of sweetness)
  • For the dressing:
    • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or even sliced almonds make a fine substitute. And if you prefer a dairy-free salad, simply skip the cheese and add a little extra crunch with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Instructions

  1. Start by washing and drying your apples. I like to leave the skin on for texture and color, then core and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. If you’re using fresh cranberries, give them a quick rinse. If frozen, thaw fully and pat dry to avoid watering down your salad.
  3. Toast your nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking often, until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. This step always reminds me of Mama Lu’s skillet cornbread — the smell of toasted nuts fills the kitchen with warmth.
  4. In a large salad bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, toasted nuts, chopped red onion, dried cranberries or raisins, and mixed greens.
  5. In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well emulsified. The sweetness and tang remind me of the way Mama Lu balanced flavors without fuss — just a pinch of this, a splash of that.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese on top if you’re using it. The creamy tang cuts through the bright fruitiness beautifully.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Either way, it’s a salad that feels like a gentle hug on a plate.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/cranberry-apple-salad/