Hey there! With the holidays around the corner and crisp fall weather in the air, I couldn’t help but be inspired to whip up this Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad. It’s a playful spin on the classic Waldorf salad, bringing a little extra tartness, crunch, and flair to your table. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or just a weeknight dinner, this salad adds that perfect touch of freshness to any meal.
If you’re all about balancing sweet, tangy, and crunchy in one bite, this salad is your new best friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festively Fresh: Perfect for holidays or to brighten up a dreary day.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, but looks like you went the extra mile.
- Customizable: Dietary swaps? No problem—this recipe can adapt to your needs.
- Family-Friendly: It’s flavorful without being overpowering, so everyone from the kids to Grandma will love it.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Apples: I love using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples for a balanced flavor. Dice them small for the perfect texture.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add that vibrant pop of tartness, but dried cranberries also work if fresh isn’t available.
- Celery: The crunch factor we all need. Slice this thin for a delicate touch in every bite.
- Grapes: Red or black seedless grapes bring a juicy sweetness. Slice them in half so they mingle nicely with the other ingredients.
- Walnuts: Lightly toasted for extra depth of flavor. Pecans or almonds can be used as substitutes.
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy, wholesome base that’s lighter than traditional mayo. You can mix in a little mayo if you want that classic richness!
- Honey: A drizzle adds natural sweetness that ties everything together.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh zing.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Let’s get tossing! This recipe is so easy, it may just become your go-to salad.
- Prep Your Produce: Dice your apples, slice your celery, and halve your grapes. Toss the apples with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Toast the Walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast your walnuts for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Keep an eye on them—they go from toasted to burnt quickly!
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, mix together the apples, cranberries, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill: Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Keep it Crunchy: Assemble the salad just before serving so nothing gets soggy.
- Add a Twist: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds or add a handful of arugula for a gourmet touch.
- Short on Time?: Skip toasting the walnuts (though it adds so much flavor) if you’re in a pinch.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Make it Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt and use agave syrup instead of honey.
- Serving Ideas: Serve it as a side dish with roasted chicken or place it atop a bed of greens for a lovely light lunch.
- Jazz it Up: Try adding shredded coconut or diced pears to switch things up.
FAQs
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything a day ahead and store the ingredients separately. Toss with the dressing right before serving.
- How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The apples may soften a bit, but it’ll still taste amazing.
- What’s a good nut substitute?
If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are a crunchy, allergy-friendly option.
Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad Recipe Card
Save or print this recipe for easy reference!
Ingredients:
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, diced
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1 cup seedless red or black grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey (or to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions:
- Dice apples, toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
- Combine Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make the dressing.
- Mix apples, cranberries, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing until coated.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling) | Servings: 4
There you have it—your perfect Cranberry Apple Waldorf Salad! I’d love to hear about your experience making this dish. Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid so I can see your creations. Let’s keep making magic in our kitchens!
