If you’re searching for a show-stopper salad that’s loaded with fall flavor but comes together in just minutes, Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is about to be your new favorite. This vibrant, crisp, and colorful salad blends sweet Red Delicious apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a tangy homemade cranberry vinaigrette for the perfect medley of textures and tastes. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weekday lunch or dressing up your holiday table, this salad instantly brightens up any meal and leaves everyone coming back for seconds.

Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is in its simplicity. Each ingredient adds something distinct—whether it’s crunch, freshness, sweetness, or a gorgeous pop of color—so trust me, you don’t want to skip a single one!

Chopped Walnuts: Toasting brings out their nutty, buttery flavor; don’t skip this step for extra crunch.
Dried Cranberries: Adds tartness and chewy bites that pair beautifully with the apples.
Balsamic Vinegar: Gives depth and a hint of sweetness to the vinaigrette.
Red Onion: Chopped finely for a bit of sharpness and gorgeous color.
White Sugar: Balances the tang from the vinegar and cranberries without making it too sweet.
Dijon-style Prepared Mustard: Adds complexity and brings the dressing together.
Vegetable Oil: Creates the rich, silky base for your vinaigrette.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
Mixed Salad Greens: Choose a blend for color, texture, and freshness—baby spinach, arugula, and romaine work well.
Red Delicious Apples: Thinly sliced for juicy sweetness; don’t peel, the red skin adds to the salad’s festive look.

How to Make Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Scatter the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes—just long enough for them to become golden and deliciously fragrant. Let them cool completely so they keep their crunch when tossed with the salad.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cranberry Vinaigrette

Into a food processor, combine the dried cranberries, balsamic vinegar, chopped red onion, white sugar, and Dijon mustard. Blend until everything becomes a vivid, smooth mixture. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil to emulsify the dressing. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This cranberry vinaigrette is what makes Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette so unforgettable!

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens and thinly sliced apples. Add just enough cranberry vinaigrette to delicately coat the greens without making them soggy. Gently toss to combine well—this way, every bite bursts with flavor from the apples and greens.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle your toasted walnuts over the top. This final touch gives Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette its famous crunch and makes for a stunning presentation. Serve immediately for the best texture—no one can resist a bite of those juicy apples and crisp greens.

How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Garnishes

Go the extra mile by finishing your Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette with a handful of extra cranberries or a crumble of goat cheese or feta. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few tender chives also turns up the flavor and the “wow” factor on your table.

Side Dishes

This salad shines beside roasted chicken, turkey, or pork, making it perfect for Thanksgiving or Sunday dinner. Pair with a loaf of crusty bread or a simple wild rice pilaf for the ultimate comforting, balanced meal. It even works beautifully with a bowl of hearty soup for an easy, satisfying lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual glass jars for fun layered salad parfaits at potlucks or picnics. Or, spread it out on a beautiful platter, fanning the apple slices around the edge for a festive look. With its jewel-toned vinaigrette and crisp apples, Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is made to be admired!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, store the greens, apples, and walnuts separately from the vinaigrette in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything crisp and ready to toss when hunger calls.

Freezing

Salads like this aren’t freezer-friendly (the greens and apples turn mushy), but the cranberry vinaigrette can be made ahead and frozen in an airtight jar for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge, then shake or whisk to recombine before using.

Reheating

While Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette doesn’t need reheating, if your walnuts lose their crunch, just toast them again quickly in a dry skillet for a minute or two to revive them before adding to your next batch of salad.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are fantastic for extra tartness, while Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness and crunch. Just choose apples that stay crisp for the best results in Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette.

Is there a substitute for walnuts?

Pecans, almonds, or even pepitas (pumpkin seeds) make great alternatives. Toast them in the same way to bring out their flavor—the crunch is key to this salad’s charm.

Can I make the vinaigrette without a food processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, use a high-speed blender or finely chop the cranberries and onions, then whisk vigorously. The texture may be a bit chunkier, but the flavor will still shine in your Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the sliced apples with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This not only keeps them vibrant but also adds a bright note that pairs well with the cranberry vinaigrette.

Is this salad vegan?

Absolutely! All ingredients in Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette are plant-based. Just double-check your Dijon mustard if you want to be certain there are no unexpected animal products in your favorite brand.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette enough—it’s such an easy yet dazzling recipe to make any gathering feel a little more special. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let the tangy-sweet vinaigrette and crisp apples brighten up your next meal!