Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing is fresh, crisp, and sweetly tangy — the kind of dish that instantly brightens any table. It’s layered with tender baby spinach, crunchy candied walnuts, juicy red apples, creamy goat cheese, and finished with a luscious maple balsamic dressing. Every bite delivers a beautiful balance of flavor and texture. If this is your first time here, welcome! I share heartfelt, kitchen-tested recipes every week — be sure to follow me on Pinterest so you never miss a new favorite.
A Salad That Feels Like Autumn (Even in Summer)
Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad has always held a nostalgic place in my heart. I still remember the first time I tossed those tart cranberries with fresh apple slices at a family gathering — the colors alone brought everyone to the table. The Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad wasn’t just a dish; it became a tradition. The combination of textures and tastes made it feel special without needing a special occasion.
I started making it more often — weekday lunches, dinner sides, potlucks. The keyword here is versatile. The salad’s crisp apples and chewy cranberries were complemented perfectly by the crunch of candied walnuts and the soft tang of goat cheese. I kept the base simple with fresh baby spinach, and the magic truly came alive with the sweet and tangy maple balsamic dressing.
Even now, the Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is a go-to when I want something quick, satisfying, and colorful. Whether I’m pairing it with grilled chicken or serving it beside hearty soups like this Roasted Beet and Peach Goat Cheese Salad with Arugula, it never disappoints.
Why This Recipe Is So Loved
This salad has the right balance of sweet, savory, and earthy notes. What makes it especially loved is how approachable it is — you don’t need hours, fancy tools, or hard-to-find ingredients. The flavor speaks for itself.
It’s also incredibly photogenic (which makes it great for gatherings), and it’s flexible enough to adapt — don’t have goat cheese? Use feta. Want to go nut-free? Toast some sunflower seeds instead. It’s also easily made ahead — just store components separately until ready to serve.
If you love bold flavors and hearty, nutritious greens, you’ll also appreciate the depth in recipes like Mediterranean Cucumber and Olive Salad, which offer similar bursts of freshness and flavor.
Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s look at the elements that make this Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad shine:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby spinach | 6 cups | Washed and dried |
| Red apples | 2 medium | Thinly sliced, toss with lemon juice |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Unsweetened or sweetened, your pick |
| Candied or toasted walnuts | ½ cup | Toasted for a richer flavor |
| Crumbled goat cheese or feta | ⅓ cup | Use what you have on hand |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | To prevent apple browning |
Maple Balsamic Dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp |
| Balsamic vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Maple syrup | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Tools and Easy Swaps
You don’t need fancy tools — a cutting board, knife, whisk (or jar with a lid), and a large bowl are all you need. For substitutions:
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No walnuts? Pecans or pumpkin seeds work wonderfully.
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Vegan? Skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
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No maple syrup? Honey or agave syrup are tasty alternatives.
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Want more protein? Toss in grilled chicken or quinoa.
Recipes like this one share the simplicity of meals such as Cranberry Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Brie — easy, flexible, and incredibly rewarding.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Make the Maple Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until well combined. -
Prepare the Apples
Core and thinly slice the apples, then toss them in lemon juice to keep them vibrant and prevent browning. -
Layer the Salad
In a large serving bowl, add a bed of spinach. Scatter the apple slices, cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese evenly on top. -
Dress and Toss (or Not!)
Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad just before serving. You can gently toss it all together or leave it layered for a pretty presentation.
Pro Tips for Perfection
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Use crisp apples. Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala hold up well and add sweetness.
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Toast the nuts. If using raw walnuts, a quick toast in the skillet brings out their depth.
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Chill the dressing. A quick 10-minute fridge session melds the flavors perfectly.
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Make-ahead tip: Store apples in lemon water, dressing separately, and toss everything just before serving.
Pair this with cozy fall recipes like Pear and Pomegranate Spinach Salad to keep your meal feeling cohesive and colorful.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
How to Serve It Best
This Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is versatile enough to star on your holiday table or support a cozy soup night. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, quiches, and even sandwiches.
I love serving it with:
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A slice of Avocado Strawberry Caprese Salad for a fruity duo
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Or next to a hearty Loaded Mediterranean Chicken Power Bowl if you need protein and greens in one plate
For an elegant presentation, plate individual portions on small salad plates and drizzle dressing tableside.
Storing & Reheating Tips
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Storage: Keep the dressing separate and store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: This salad isn’t meant to be reheated. However, if you pair it with a warm element like grilled chicken, keep that part separate.
If you’re meal-prepping, layer spinach on the bottom and top with apples and cheese right before eating to maintain freshness. It’s the same trick I use for salads like the Fresh Beet Avocado and Feta Salad.
FAQ Section
Can I make Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store each component separately and assemble right before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
What apples work best for this salad?
Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up well and don’t turn mushy.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
It’s not recommended raw — dried cranberries provide a chewy sweetness that fresh ones don’t.
Is goat cheese necessary?
Not at all! Feta or even blue cheese adds a different kind of tang that’s just as tasty.
How long does the dressing last?
Stored in the fridge, the dressing keeps up to one week in a sealed jar.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a bright starter, a holiday side dish, or just a way to add joy to your lunch, this Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing hits the mark. It’s quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor.
For more bold and beautiful dishes, you might also enjoy the Greek Orzo Salad Recipe or the hearty Loaded Mediterranean Chicken Power Bowl.
If you loved this salad, I’d be thrilled if you’d rate it, leave a comment, or share it on Pinterest. Your feedback and support keep this blog thriving — and help others discover new favorites too!
Print
Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad with Maple Dressing
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Walnut Cranberry Salad is a fresh, colorful salad layered with crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy candied walnuts, and creamy goat cheese on a bed of baby spinach, all tossed with a tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
• 6 cups baby spinach
• 2 medium red apples, thinly sliced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup candied or toasted walnuts
• ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully combined.
2. Core and thinly slice apples, then toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. In a large serving bowl, add baby spinach as the base.
4. Layer the apples, cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese over the spinach.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the top just before serving.
6. Toss gently to combine, or leave layered for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
– Honey or agave can replace maple syrup if needed.
– Use pecans or sunflower seeds for nut-free or variety options.
– Feta cheese is a great substitute if you don’t have goat cheese.
– For extra protein, add grilled chicken or quinoa.
– Keep dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American