Print

Easy Fresh Cranberry Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

fresh cranberry walnut salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy salad featuring raw fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, creamy feta, and a sweet maple vinaigrette. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this salad offers a bright, tart pop in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (baby spinach and arugula recommended)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes, optional)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Make the maple vinaigrette: In a small jar, combine the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, salt, and pepper. Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds until emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or tang as desired. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries and pat them dry. Roughly chop them into quarter-sized pieces.
  4. Soak the red onion (optional but recommended): Place the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl of cold water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry before adding to the salad.
  5. Assemble the salad: Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl. Add the chopped cranberries, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta, and drained red onion. Drizzle about half the dressing over the top.
  6. Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until the greens are evenly coated. Add more dressing if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, dress the salad just before serving to keep greens crisp. If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss right before eating. Toasting walnuts is essential for flavor and crunch. For a milder onion flavor, soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.

Nutrition

Keywords: fresh cranberry salad, walnut salad, maple vinaigrette, quick salad, holiday salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/easy-fresh-cranberry-walnut-salad-with-maple-vinaigrette/