This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe is one of those delightful, refreshing dishes that combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries into a harmonious mix. The creamy Greek yogurt dressing brings it all together with a touch of honey and lemon for balance. It’s a perfect light lunch or a standout side dish that feels nourishing and bright with every bite. Whether you’re craving a quick healthy snack or wanting to impress with minimal effort, this salad hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating a melody of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that are both comforting and exciting.
- 3 medium apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best crunch and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup celery: Thinly sliced to add freshness and a subtle crunch that complements the apples.
- 1/3 cup walnuts: Toasted and chopped to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a satisfying bite.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These add a lovely pop of tartness and chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: The creamy base of the dressing that keeps things light yet luscious.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds a silky richness to the dressing without overpowering the fruitiness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and helps prevent the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that balances the tanginess.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and adds depth to the dressing.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl until you have a smooth and creamy dressing. This blend is the heart of the salad, bringing together tangy, sweet, and savory elements that coat every bite delightfully.
Step 2: Chop and Prep the Ingredients
Next, chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. To keep them looking fresh and to prevent browning, toss the apples in a little extra lemon juice if you like. Thinly slice the celery, chop the toasted walnuts, and have your dried cranberries ready—each add a vital texture and flavor contrast that make this salad shine.
Step 3: Combine Everything Gently
Pour the chopped apples, celery, walnuts, and dried cranberries into the bowl with your dressing. Using a gentle hand, toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated but still retain their crispness. The secret here is to be gentle so the apples and nuts keep their wonderful texture.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Let your salad chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. This resting time allows all those beautiful flavors to meld and deepen, making the salad taste even better once served. It’s such a refreshing dish to enjoy cold!
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra toasted walnuts or add some thin apple slices on top for visual appeal and added crunch. A light drizzle of honey can also elevate the sweetness if you prefer a more pronounced contrast.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even alongside a hearty grain bowl. It can also stand alone as a light, nutritious lunch, especially when served with a crusty whole-grain bread or a side of mixed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe in individual mason jars for a charming picnic or lunchbox treat. Alternatively, use butter lettuce leaves as natural “cups” for a fun and fresh salad wrap that’s perfect for on-the-go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two days, although it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crisp texture of the apples and nuts.
Freezing
Due to the fresh ingredients and creamy Greek yogurt dressing, this salad is not ideal for freezing as the texture and consistency might change upon thawing.
Reheating
This Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm dish, consider pairing it with a hot entree instead.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds are excellent substitutes that bring their own unique crunch and flavor to the salad.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based versions to create a delicious dairy-free Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe variant.
How can I prevent the apples from browning?
Toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting them to keep their bright color and prevent browning.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Definitely! Chopped grapes, pears, or even fresh pomegranate seeds can add exciting flavors and textures.
What type of Greek yogurt is best to use?
Plain, full-fat Greek yogurt works beautifully for a creamy dressing, but you can opt for low-fat if you prefer a lighter version without compromising taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a refreshing, healthy, and satisfyingly crunchy dish, the Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe is a must-try. It’s incredibly versatile, quick to whip up, and perfect for any season. Give it a go and discover how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
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Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberries and Greek Yogurt Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Apple Salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing with a hint of honey and lemon. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with textures and flavors that celebrate the best of fall produce.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 medium apples, chopped (any crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped apples, thinly sliced celery, toasted and chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 15 to 20 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool before serving.
- Serve: Serve the salad cold as a refreshing side dish or a light, healthy lunch option.
Notes
- To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little extra lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based yogurt and mayonnaise.
- You can add chopped grapes for additional sweetness and texture.
- Swap walnuts with pecans if preferred for a different nutty flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
