Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad combining crisp mixed greens and spinach with sweet green apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy toasted walnuts, and creamy gorgonzola cheese, tossed with a tangy homemade vinaigrette. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce bag) 50% blend mixed greens and spinach, washed
- 2 green apples, sliced
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces (toasted for best flavor)
- Optional: Thinly sliced red onion (adds a sharp, zesty bite)
Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons sugar (or maple syrup, or honey)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and sugar until well combined and emulsified.
- Toast Walnuts (Optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnut pieces and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice Apples and Prevent Browning: Slice the green apples thinly and immediately toss them with 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens and spinach, then toss in the lemon-coated apple slices, dried cranberries, crumbled gorgonzola, toasted walnut pieces, and red onion slices if using.
- Add Vinaigrette and Toss Salad: Drizzle half of the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Add more vinaigrette to taste if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad promptly to enjoy its crisp and fresh texture.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, toasting the walnuts is recommended but optional.
- Lemon juice is crucial for preventing the apple slices from browning and maintaining their fresh appearance.
- Adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by substituting sugar with maple syrup or honey as preferred.
- This salad is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- Red onions add a zesty kick, but can be omitted if preferred milder flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple walnut cranberry salad, mixed greens salad, gorgonzola salad, healthy salad, autumn salad, easy salad recipe
