Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries Recipe

Are you ready to brighten up your meals with a deliciously vibrant Apple Salad? This delightful mix of crispy apples, sweet cranberries, and crunchy candied walnuts is not only a feast for your eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite! Join me as I share this easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion—trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🥗✨

Ingredients for Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

Let’s gather all the delightful ingredients to make this Apple Salad sparkle! This salad is packed with flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 red apple: I love using red apples for their sweet and slightly tart flavor!
• Squeeze of lemon juice: This keeps our apple from turning brown—no one wants that!
• 120 g (about 4 oz) mixed salad leaves: A blend of greens adds freshness and crunch.
• 1/2 red onion: Finely sliced, it gives a nice zing to our salad.
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries: These little guys add a pop of sweetness!
• 2 tbsp feta or goat cheese: This is optional, but trust me, it adds a creamy touch.

For our candied walnuts (or any nut you fancy), you will need:

• 1 tbsp butter: Salted butter gives the best flavor.
• 1/4 cup white sugar: This helps create that delicious candy coating!
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans: Choose your favorite nut! Both work great.

And don’t forget the dressing! Here’s what to mix together:

• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1.5 tsp white sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

With these ingredients, you’re ready to whip up a show-stopping salad! Can you feel the excitement? Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s perfect for gatherings or just a delightful dinner at home! 🎉

How to Make Candied Walnuts and Plump Cranberries

Let’s tackle the fun part—making those sweet candied walnuts and plump cranberries! These two components add the perfect crunch and sweetness to our Apple Salad. Ready? Let’s get started!

Candied Walnuts

1. Melt the Butter: In a small non-stick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of salted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Sugar: Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of white sugar. Stir it just a bit, then let it bubble away.
3. Add the Nuts: When the sugar is mostly dissolved and bubbling, toss in 1 cup of walnuts or pecans. Stir them for about 2 minutes until they are well-coated.
4. Cool Down: Pour the nuts onto a parchment-lined tray, spreading them out. Let them cool completely before chopping some into smaller pieces. Those crunchy, toffee-coated delights are ready to shine!

Plump Cranberries

1. Soak: Take 3/4 cup of dried cranberries and place them in a bowl. Cover them with freshly boiled water and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This will transform them into juicy, plump treasures!
2. Drain: After soaking, just drain the cranberries and they’re good to go!

And there you have it! Now you have candied walnuts that are crunchy and sweet, plus plumped cranberries that burst with flavor! What could be better? Throw them into your salad and watch it come alive! 🎉

Simple Vinaigrette Dressing for Your Apple Salad

Now that we have our delicious candied walnuts and plump cranberries, it’s time to whip up a quick and easy vinaigrette dressing! This dressing will tie our Apple Salad together beautifully without overpowering the fresh ingredients. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Ingredients for the Vinaigrette

• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar: This adds a nice tang!
• 4 tablespoons olive oil: For richness and a smooth finish.
• 1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard: This gives our dressing a little kick!
• 1.5 teaspoons white sugar: To balance the acidity.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice.

Mixing it Up

1. Combine Ingredients: Grab a small jar or bowl, and add all the ingredients – vinegar, olive oil, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Shake or Whisk: If you’re using a jar, just put the lid on and shake it like a maraca! If you’re using a bowl, whisk it until everything is mixed well. It should be nice and smooth!
3. Taste Test: Now’s the fun part! Give it a little taste and adjust if you want it sweeter or tangier. Who knew making dressing could be this easy?

And voilà! You’ve got yourself a simple vinaigrette that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and the crunch of the nuts. Drizzle it over your salad just before serving, and let the deliciousness begin! Happy salad-making! 🥗✨

Serving Suggestions for Festive Occasions

Ready to impress your family and friends with this scrumptious Apple Salad? This dish isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration on a plate! Here are some fun serving suggestions that will make your salad the star of any gathering!

Perfect Pairings

• Main Dishes: This salad is fantastic alongside grilled chicken or roasted turkey. The sweetness of the apples and cranberries balances beautifully with savory meats!
• Cheese Board: Serve it up with a festive cheese platter! The creamy feta or goat cheese pairs well with cheeses like brie or cheddar.
• Breads: A warm baguette or crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover vinaigrette. Yum!

Presentation Tips

• Layer It Up: For an eye-catching display, layer the ingredients in a clear bowl. Start with leafy greens, then add apples, cranberries, and finish with candied walnuts on top!
• Individual Servings: Consider serving the salad in small jars or cups. This makes for a fun, personal touch at parties. Plus, who doesn’t love mini food?

Fun Additions

• Nuts Galore: Feel free to mix in other nuts like almonds or pistachios for an extra crunch!
• Herbs & Flowers: Toss in some fresh herbs like mint or a sprinkle of edible flowers for a pop of color. It looks fancy, and it’s still super easy!

With these serving suggestions, your Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries will be the talk of the table! Enjoy every bite—and don’t forget to take some photos for your foodie friends! 📸🥗✨

Nutritional Information and Variations for the Salad

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! This Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries is not only delicious, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Let’s break down what you’re getting in each serving and explore some easy variations to keep things exciting!

Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 5 servings)

• Calories: 364
• Total Fat: 26g (40% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 4g (25% DV)
• Cholesterol: 10mg (3% DV)
• Sodium: 344mg (15% DV)
• Potassium: 196mg (6% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (13% DV)
• Sugars: 25g (28% DV)
• Protein: 4g (8% DV)

This salad is loaded with vitamins and good fats, thanks to the nuts and olive oil! It’s light yet satisfying, making it a perfect side or main dish.

Fun Variations

• Change the Greens: Swap out mixed salad leaves for spinach or arugula for a different flavor!
• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it a filling meal.
• Switch Up the Nuts: Try almonds or pecans if walnuts aren’t your favorite. Each nut offers unique flavors and textures!
• Fruit Additions: Throw in some slices of pear or orange segments for extra fruity goodness.

With these variations, you can enjoy this salad any day of the week! It’s fresh, flavorful, and a little bit fun—just how I like it! Enjoy experimenting, and happy eating! 🥗🍏✨