Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

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Apple cranberry walnut salad with goat cheese is a delightful and refreshing dish. This salad blends crunchy apples, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a light main course, its vibrant flavors and textures will impress your guests.

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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

A delightful salad combining crunchy apples, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, ideal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Light Meal, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Base
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine) Rinse and dry thoroughly before use.
  • 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) Choose sweet or tart variety for ideal flavor.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped Toast in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes.
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled Choose creamy variety for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced Can be adjusted based on taste preference.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil Extra virgin oil recommended.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey Adjust sweetness to preference.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Use fresh ground if possible.

Method
 

Preparation of Ingredients
  1. Rinse salad greens under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Core and slice the apple into thin wedges and add to the bowl.
  3. Add dried cranberries over the greens and apples.
  4. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool before adding to salad.
Dressing Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until emulsified.
Assembly
  1. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  2. Top salad with crumbled goat cheese and additional walnuts or cranberries for decoration if desired.
  3. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a short while before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 200mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5g

Notes

To maintain freshness, store salad ingredients separately.

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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The combination of fruits, nuts, and greens creates a flavorful, colorful dish that is pleasing to both the eye and the palate. The creamy goat cheese adds a rich, tangy element, while the sweet apples and tart cranberries balance the flavors perfectly. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

How to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as spinach, arugula, and romaine)
  • 1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Begin by preparing the salad greens. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Place the dry greens in a large salad bowl.
  2. Next, wash and core the apple. Slice it into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the salad greens.
  3. Measure out the dried cranberries and add them to the salad bowl, spreading them evenly over the greens and apples.
  4. Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Allow them to cool before adding them to the salad.
  5. For the dressing, in a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well emulsified.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the greens and toppings are well coated without bruising the greens.
  7. Add the crumbled goat cheese on top of the salad, and optionally, you can add some more walnuts or cranberries for decoration.
  8. Serve immediately while the greens are fresh and crisp, or refrigerate for a short while before serving if necessary.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

This salad is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a light lunch alongside grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a festive side dish during holiday dinners. You can also pack it in a meal prep container for a healthy work lunch. To make it even more filling, you can add proteins like sliced turkey bacon or grilled chicken.

How to Store Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

To keep your salad fresh, store the ingredients separately. Keep the salad greens in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture, preventing wilting. Store the dressing in a separate jar. When ready to eat, combine the greens, apples, cranberries, walnuts, and cheese, then drizzle with dressing to maintain crispness.

Tips to Make Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese Perfect

  1. Choose your apples wisely. Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or tart ones like Granny Smith give the best flavor balance.
  2. For added texture, consider slicing your walnuts rather than chopping them to maintain their crunch in the salad.
  3. Experiment with dried fruits. You can substitute cranberries with raisins or apricots for a different taste.
  4. If you’re a fan of mixed greens, try adding some kale or baby greens for variety.
  5. Don’t skip the dressing! It ties all the flavors together.

Flavor Variations

You can customize this salad to fit your preferences. Consider adding seasonal fruits like pear or mandarin orange for a fresh twist. For a spicy touch, incorporate arugula or radicchio. You can also switch the goat cheese for feta or bleu cheese to enhance the salad’s flavor profile further.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Always wash your greens. This ensures they are clean and ready to eat.
  • Make your dressing a day ahead. This allows the flavors to meld, giving a richer taste.
  • Avoid overdressing your salad. Start with less dressing and add more as needed to prevent sogginess.

FAQs About Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad With Goat Cheese

  1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to combine them until you are ready to serve. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh.
  2. What types of cheese can I use as an alternative to goat cheese?
    Feta cheese or crumbled bleu cheese can work well as substitutes. These cheese options will give a different flavor profile but will still be delicious.
  3. Is this salad gluten-free?
    Yes, all the ingredients used in this salad are naturally gluten-free. It is a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

Apple cranberry walnut salad with goat cheese is a delicious and healthy option for any meal. Its blend of sweet, savory, and tangy elements makes it a crowd favorite. Easy to make and customizable, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the fresh flavors and satisfying crunch in every bite!