Description
A flavor-packed salad featuring mixed greens, dried cranberries, candied walnuts, crisp apple slices, and creamy cheese—perfectly dressed and easy to modify.
Ingredients
Mixed greens (spinach, arugula, romaine)
Dried cranberries
Candied walnuts
Sliced apples or pears
Crumbled goat cheese or feta
Creamy balsamic or honey Dijon dressing
Instructions
1. In a large salad bowl, gently toss your greens with a pinch of sea salt.
2. Add sliced apples or pears for a crisp, fruity bite.
3. Sprinkle in dried cranberries and candied walnuts for color and crunch.
4. Crumble in cheese of your choice.
5. Drizzle dressing lightly to start, then toss and taste. Add more if needed.
6. If serving later, keep dressing on the side to avoid sogginess.
7. Optional: Top with grilled chicken or lentils to make it a full meal.
Notes
Use kale or baby greens as alternatives.
Try fresh cranberries (lightly candied) for added tartness.
Swap in roasted nuts or vegan cheese crumbles if preferred.
For a lighter dressing, mix Greek yogurt and balsamic vinegar.
Top with grilled chicken, lentils, or tempeh for extra protein.
Store undressed salad up to 2 days; keep dressing and nuts separate.
Upgrade with add-ins like wild rice, roasted veggies, or pickled onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cranberry walnut salad, fall salad, healthy salad, quick salad