Get ready to fall in love with salad! This apple salad, bursting with sweet and crunchy candied walnuts and the tartness of cranberries, is impossibly delicious.
Prepare to discover how to make each element shine, transforming simple ingredients into a bowl of irresistible flavor.
Candied Nuts Preparation
To get started on the candied nuts, I like to melt 1 tablespoon of salted butter in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat—because who doesn't love a little buttery goodness? Once it's melted, I add 1/4 cup of white sugar.
Now, stir it briefly—just 'til it starts to melt. Then, leave it be! Let the sugar mostly melt without stirring too much. A touch of cinnamon, similar to what's used in apple crumble recipes, can add warmth.
When it starts bubbling a bit, I toss in 1 cup of walnuts, or pecans if you're feeling fancy.
Stir for about 2 minutes. Get everything coated in that sweet, buttery glaze! Then, pour it all onto a parchment paper-lined tray.
Spread those nuts out! Let them cool completely. Chop about half of them roughly, but leave some whole for a nice mix. These are awesome!
Plump Cranberries
Now, let's talk cranberries! I always plump mine—it makes a world of difference! Trust me. Ain't nobody wants chewy, shriveled cranberries in their salad!
I take about ¾ cup of dried cranberries and toss 'em in a bowl. Next, I pour freshly boiled water over them. Honestly, it's like giving them a spa day—a hot bath to rehydrate! The Mediterranean diet often incorporates olives as an important culinary element.
Let 'em soak for about 10 minutes. Imagine those cranberries getting all plump and juicy! Then, drain 'em. Don't skip this step; it's a small thing that elevates the whole salad. Plumped cranberries are like little bursts of flavor—you'll love 'em.
Preparing the Apple
With the cranberries prepped and ready to go, let's move on to the apples, because what's an Apple Salad Recipe without the apple?! I like using a red apple — looks great and balances sweetness and tartness!
First, I quarter the apple and remove the seeds. Not a fan of biting into those little guys! Then, I finely slice each quarter, which is a thin cut that's neither too chunky, nor too slim. They're easier to eat that way.
Now, this is important! I drizzle a squeeze of lemon juice over the apple slices and toss them. Why? It stops 'em from browning! No one wants sad, brown apples in their salad. And there you have it, perfectly prepped apples, ready to go!
Dressing Instructions
I gotta say, the dressing ties everything together! Don't underestimate its importance. It's super easy – I promise! Grab a jar; it's time to play bartender, but with vinegar and oil!
Here's what you'll do:
- Combine 2 tbsp of cider vinegar, 4 tbsp of olive oil, 1.5 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1.5 tsp of white sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of pepper.
- Seal the jar tightly.
- Shake it like you mean it! You're aiming for a creamy, emulsified dressing.
- Taste test! Is it too tart? Add sugar. Too strong? Add oil. Trust your taste buds!
Assembling the Salad
Some folks might say this is the easiest part of the recipe, but I think every step is as important as the last, and we're now at "Assembling the Salad"!
Grab a big bowl – you'll need it! Put in your salad leaves, half the apple slices—remember those lemon-y ones?—and all that thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle half of your dressing over it, and toss it all gently. Don't wanna bruise those leaves!
Now, scatter those cranberries, your desired amount of walnuts—or go wild, I won't judge!—and the remaining apple slices. Drizzle with the rest of that dressing. You did remember to save some, right?
Serve this beauty immediately! If you wait too long, it might get a bit soggy, and nobody wants a soggy salad. Enjoy every bite! I hope you love this salad as much as I do!
Short Recipe Version
Apple Salad With Candied Walnuts and Cranberries
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Serving size: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 apples, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup candied walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apples, cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g