Cranberry Walnut & Feta Harvest Salad
Description
This Cranberry Walnut & Feta Harvest Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed fall or winter salad featuring crisp mixed greens, tart dried cranberries, crunchy candied walnuts, creamy feta cheese, and fresh apple slices. Tossed with a maple-balsamic vinaigrette, it brings together sweet, tangy, and savory flavors for a perfectly balanced dish. Great as a holiday side, meal prep lunch, or light dinner with added protein.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time (optional caramelized walnuts): 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Salad
6 cups mixed greens (spring mix, spinach, arugula, or combination)
1 large Honeycrisp or Gala apple, thinly sliced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts (raw or candied)
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 small pear, sliced (optional but delicious)
½ cup cooked quinoa (optional for more protein)
For the Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: Quick Candied Walnuts (5 mins)
½ cup walnuts
2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
Tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
maple syrup
Dijon mustard
salt & pepper
Shake or whisk until thickened.
Set aside.
(Optional) Make Candied Walnuts
Add walnuts to a small nonstick pan over medium heat.
Sprinkle sugar or drizzle maple syrup.
Stir constantly for 3–5 minutes until coated and lightly caramelized.
Immediately transfer to parchment paper to cool.
Assemble the Salad
Place mixed greens in a large bowl.
Add sliced apple (and pear if using).
Sprinkle in dried cranberries.
Add walnuts (candied or raw).
Scatter crumbled feta over the top.
Add optional red onion or quinoa if desired.
Dress and Toss
Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
Toss gently to coat without crushing the greens.
Tips & Variations
Best apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady
Best greens: Spring mix or baby spinach
Protein Boost Options:
Grilled chicken
Roasted turkey
Salmon
Tofu or chickpeas
Add-Ins That Pair Perfectly:
Pumpkin seeds
Pomegranate arils
Candied pecans
Goat cheese instead of feta
Make-Ahead Instructions:
Prepare dressing up to 5 days ahead.
Slice apples last or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Assemble salad without apples or dressing if prepping ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the greens, cranberries, feta, and nuts. Wait to add apples and dressing until right before serving.
Q2: What can I use instead of walnuts?
A: Pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or pumpkin seeds all work.
Q3: What dressing goes well with this salad?
A: Maple-balsamic is ideal, but poppyseed dressing or apple cider vinaigrette are also fantastic.
Q4: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A: Toss slices in lemon juice or submerge them briefly in water with a splash of vinegar.
Q5: Can this be made vegan?
A: Yes — use vegan feta or omit the cheese, and ensure the sweetener used is vegan.
Q6: Is this salad good for meal prep?
A: Absolutely — prep components separately and combine when ready to eat.