Description
A crisp, refreshing salad packed with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberries, all tied together with a bright balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for holidays or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 red apples, thinly sliced
- 1 green apple, thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup goat cheese or feta, crumbled
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often. Let cool.
- In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens as the base.
- Arrange apple slices evenly on top of the greens.
- Sprinkle with walnuts, cranberries, red onion, and crumbled cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.
- Toss gently if desired or serve layered. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Soak apple slices in lemon water to prevent browning if prepping ahead.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor contrast.
- Homemade vinaigrette: whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, salt, and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad bowl
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg