Apple Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese and Cranberries (13 Minutes)

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This apple walnut salad is a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors, perfect for those who enjoy a salad with a diverse range of tastes and textures.

Featuring crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and tart dried cranberries, this simple recipe offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Drizzled with a homemade cranberry vinaigrette, this salad is both refreshing and indulgent ideal any time of day.

  • Prep Time: 13 minutes
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Salad:
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens
  • 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the Cranberry Vinaigrette:
  • 1/4 cup cranberry juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cranberry Vinaigrette (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity according to your preference.
  2. Assemble Salad (5 minutes): In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cranberries.
  3. Dress and Toss Salad (2 minutes): Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Serve (1 minute): Serve immediately, ensuring a good mix of all ingredients in each serving.

Notes

To ensure the best salad experience, use fresh, crisp apples and high-quality blue cheese. Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.

The homemade cranberry vinaigrette should complement the salad without overpowering it. This salad is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visually appealing dish, perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

For a heartier version, try adding some grilled chicken or grilled shrimp and serve with a slice of crusty bread. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Pair this with...

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Strawberry Smoothie

You'll need about 1 cup of fresh strawberries (or frozen if you've got 'em), 1/2 a banana to add creaminess, 1 cup of your favorite milk (almond, cow’s, soy – whatever floats your boat), and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Optional: a dollop of yogurt for added richness and probiotics. Pop everything into your blender, give it a whirl until it's silky smooth, and pour into a chilled glass. If you're feeling a tad adventurous, toss in a handful of oats or your choice of protein powder for an extra kick.

Oven Baked Potato Chips

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take 2 to 3 large potatoes and slice them as thinly as you can, preferably using a mandolin slicer. This will ensure even cooking. Rinse the slices in cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess starch. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure they aren't overlapping. Lightly brush each slice with olive oil. Sprinkle some finely chopped rosemary over the top if desired - the fresher, the better. Season with sea salt according to your preference. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until they're crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end, to ensure they don't burn. Once out, let them cool slightly to further crisp up.

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