Apple salad with candied walnuts and cranberries in a bowl

Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries is a delightful dish that brings together crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors. This salad is perfect for a refreshing appetizer or a side dish at any meal. The sweetness of the candied walnuts and cranberries complements the crisp apples, making it a favorite for many. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or everyday meals.

How to Make Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

Ingredients:

  • 1 red apple (quartered, seeds removed, finely sliced)
  • Squeeze of lemon juice (to stop apple browning)
  • 120 g/4 oz mixed salad leaves (4 to 5 big handfuls)
  • 1/2 red onion (finely sliced, wedge way, not half moon)
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp feta or goat cheese (crumbled, garnish optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter (salted)
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 cup walnuts or pecans
  • 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

Directions:

Candied Nuts:

  1. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add the chopped walnuts or pecans and 1/4 cup of white sugar. Stir until the nuts are coated.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the nuts turn golden brown. Keep stirring to prevent burning. Once done, lay them out on parchment paper to cool.

Plump Cranberries:

  1. In a small bowl, soak the dried cranberries in warm water for about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Apple:

  1. Cut the red apple into quarters, remove the seeds, and slice thinly.
  2. Drizzle with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, mix cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, 1.5 tsp of white sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined.

Assemble:

  1. In a large bowl, add the mixed salad leaves, sliced red onion, plumped cranberries, and apple slices.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  3. Top with candied nuts and crumbled feta or goat cheese if desired.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

Serve the salad fresh as a main dish or a side at barbecues, holiday dinners, or potlucks. It pairs well with grilled chicken, turkey, or fish. For an extra touch, you can garnish with additional cheese or extra nuts.

How to Store Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

To store the salad, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This will help maintain the freshness of the ingredients. Place the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The candied nuts should also be stored separately in a sealed bag at room temperature.

Tips to Make Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Cranberries

  • For more flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
  • If you like a bit of spice, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the nuts while candying them.
  • Use different types of apples for a varied flavor and texture, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients like sliced pears, crumbled bacon, or different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. Additionally, swap the feta for a creamy blue cheese for a richer flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart to use raw. It is best to stick to dried cranberries for this recipe.

2. How can I make the salad vegan?
You can replace the feta with a vegan cheese alternative and omit the butter used for candying the nuts, using coconut oil instead.

3. Can I make the candied nuts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the candied nuts a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.