Don’t let fall pass by without trying this delicious apple cranberry salad that celebrates the season’s best flavors. With crisp apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pepitas, and creamy feta cheese all brought together with a golden apple cider vinaigrette, this recipe is everything you love about autumn in one bowl.
It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients while adding a pop of color and nutrition to your table. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself to something special, this salad captures the cozy, vibrant spirit of fall in every forkful.
Fresh Apple Cranberry Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
4-6
servings15
minutesThis salad is a delicious combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
6-8 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and/or red leaf lettuce, as seen in the photo)
1-2 medium apples, cored and diced or thinly sliced (a mix of red and green apples, or just green as mostly seen in the photo, works well for color and tartness like Granny Smith)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
1/4 – 1/2 cup pepitas (roasted pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese for a creamier texture)
- For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette (as suggested by the color in the photo):
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup/honey, and minced garlic (if using).
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined and emulsified. If using a jar, simply shake vigorously. - Assemble the Salad:**
- In a large serving bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, dried cranberries, pepitas, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Dress and Serve:
- Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of apple cider vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Helpful Tips and Delicious Variations:
Toasting Pepitas: I highly recommend giving the pepitas a quick toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for just a few minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and develop a lovely golden-brown color. Let them cool completely before adding them to your salad – this simple step really brings out their nutty flavor.
Making it a Complete Meal: If you’d like to turn this into a heartier dish, consider adding some grilled chicken, fresh salmon, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
Switching Up the Crunch: While pepitas are wonderful, feel free to experiment with other options like toasted pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture to the mix.
Cheese Alternatives: Though feta is classic here, you might enjoy trying blue cheese or gorgonzola for something bolder, or a creamy goat cheese for a milder taste.
Adding Some Bite: A few thin slices of red onion can add a pleasant sharpness if you enjoy that extra layer of flavor.
Preparation Tips: You can definitely get ahead on this salad! Prepare the dressing and dice your apples in advance (just toss the apple pieces with a little lemon juice to keep them from browning). Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and dress the salad right before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
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