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Perfect Fresh Cranberry Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

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A bright and tangy fall salad featuring fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a warm maple vinaigrette with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens (baby arugula and baby spinach)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup walnut halves or pieces
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Place 3/4 cup walnut pieces in a dry skillet over medium heat. Shake the pan every 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly darker (3-4 minutes). Pour onto a plate to cool.
  2. Make the maple vinaigrette: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, minced shallot, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  3. Prep the cranberries: Rinse fresh cranberries, discard any soft or shriveled ones, and pat dry. Leave whole or slice a few in half.
  4. Prep the greens and toppings: Wash and dry salad greens. Thinly slice red onion and crumble feta cheese.
  5. Assemble the salad: Place greens in a large salad bowl. Drizzle about half the dressing around the edges and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Add the toppings: Sprinkle toasted walnuts, fresh cranberries, crumbled feta, and sliced red onion over the dressed greens. Drizzle remaining dressing on top and toss gently, or leave toppings on top for presentation.
  7. Serve immediately: Best eaten right away while greens are crisp and walnuts are crunchy. If making ahead, keep dressing separate and toss just before serving.

Notes

Toast walnuts until deeply golden for best flavor. Dress greens first, then add toppings. For winter, warm vinaigrette slightly to improve coating. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. Let dressed salad rest 2 minutes before adding toppings for better flavor melding.

Nutrition

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

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