Zingy Apple Cranberry Salad Recipe: A Festive Sweet-Tart Delight

Crisp autumn winds whisper promises of delightful apple cranberry salad that dance between sweet and tart flavors.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly in this vibrant dish.

Bright red cranberries add unexpected punch to traditional apple combinations.

Fresh ingredients create a symphony of textures and tastes.

Mediterranean-inspired herbs weave subtle complexity through each refreshing bite.

Nutritious greens provide a crisp foundation for this delectable creation.

Burrata Balls Festive Ingredients

• Mixed Greens: Fresh and crisp base for the salad.
• Apples: Adds sweet and crunchy texture.
• Cranberries: Provides tart and vibrant flavor.
• Pecans: Brings nutty crunch and richness.
• Gorgonzola: Offers creamy and tangy cheese element.

• Olive Oil, Maple Syrup, Vinegar, Dijon Mustard: Balanced and flavorful dressing components.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning.

• Extra Salt, Pepper: Allows personal taste adjustment.

How to Create Burrata Balls for a Party

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Maple syrup
• Vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing transforms into a smooth, glossy mixture that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Step 2: Craft Colorful Salad Base

• Mixed salad greens
• Crisp, sliced apples
• Jewel-like dried cranberries
• Crunchy, toasted pecans
• Crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Arrange the ingredients with a playful, appetizing touch that makes the salad look like an edible masterpiece.

Step 3: Dress and Toss with Flair

Quickly reshake the dressing to reincorporate any settled ingredients. Gently drizzle the liquid gold over the salad, ensuring each ingredient gets a loving coating of flavor.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, carefully toss the ingredients, allowing the dressing to embrace every morsel. Taste and sprinkle extra salt and pepper if your palate desires an extra kick.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Present the salad immediately, celebrating the beautiful blend of textures and flavors that dance together in this delightful dish.

Burrata Appetizer Tips to Shape Elegant, Festive Bites

• Slice Apples Precisely: Cut apples just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty richness and add more complexity to the salad.
• Dressing Prep Trick: Make dressing ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace gorgonzola with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that keeps the salad's tangy profile.
• Chill Technique: Keep salad ingredients separate until serving to prevent wilting and maintain maximum crunchiness.

Burrata Balls Leftover Storage and Serving Tips

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Store mixed greens, fruits, and nuts in different containers to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Shake well before using again.
• Add fresh pecans and crisp greens when ready to enjoy leftovers to restore original texture and flavor.

Elegant Sips for Burrata Balls

• Savor Sparkling Beverage Companion: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the salad's tangy and sweet profile, enhancing the apple and cranberry flavors.
• Craft Cheese-Friendly Pairing: Select a light, creamy chardonnay that matches the gorgonzola's richness while balancing the salad's bright ingredients.
• Elevate Protein Partner: Grilled chicken breast or seared salmon create a delightful protein addition that integrates seamlessly with the salad's complex flavor layers.
• Boost Bread Sidekick: Rustic sourdough toast or herbed focaccia provide a delicious textural contrast, soaking up the maple vinaigrette and adding a satisfying crunch.

Apple Cranberry Salad Styles

• Vegan Veggie Swap: Replace gorgonzola with crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture and adds plant-based protein.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially checking vinegar and maple syrup brands for potential cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute mixed greens with fresh spinach or arugula, reduce maple syrup in dressing, and add extra nuts for increased healthy fat content.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans and replace with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to maintain crunch while accommodating nut allergies.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of gorgonzola?

Yes, you can substitute gorgonzola with feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor profile.

• Are pecans essential to the recipe?

While pecans add a nice crunch, you can swap them with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds if you prefer or have a nut allergy.

• How do I prevent the apples from browning?

Toss the sliced apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp. You can prep ingredients separately and combine them when ready to eat.

Why Apple Cranberry Salad Feels So Balanced

• Whip Up Effortlessly: This salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy individuals who want a quick, delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Burst with Seasonal Flavors: Combine crisp apples, tart cranberries, and rich gorgonzola for a vibrant dish that captures the essence of fall and winter produce in one delightful bite.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily swap ingredients based on preferences or pantry availability, allowing endless variations to suit personal taste and dietary needs.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Packed with fresh greens, nuts, and fruits, this salad delivers a balanced mix of nutrients, textures, and flavors that nourish and satisfy hunger.

Apple Cranberry Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp autumn winds whisper through this delightful Apple Cranberry Salad, blending sweet and tart flavors into a refreshing medley. Maple-kissed dressing and crunchy pecans elevate each forkful, offering you a perfect balance of seasonal ingredients that dance across your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 ounces (141 grams) mixed baby greens
• 2 medium honeycrisp apples, sliced or chopped
• 1 cup (150 grams) raw pecans (or walnuts)

Dried Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries

Cheese Ingredient:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) crumbled gorgonzola

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a sealed jar until ingredients form a smooth, integrated dressing.
2. Select a spacious serving vessel and generously layer crisp mixed greens as the foundational base for the salad.
3. Slice fresh apples into delicate, uniform wedges and scatter them across the greens for a burst of crisp texture and natural sweetness.
4. Sprinkle tart dried cranberries throughout the salad, ensuring an even distribution of their rich, jewel-like color and tangy flavor profile.
5. Gently cascade roughly chopped pecans over the salad, providing a rich, nutty crunch that complements the softer ingredients.
6. Crumble gorgonzola cheese across the surface, allowing its creamy, pungent notes to create depth and complexity.
7. Vigorously reshake the prepared dressing to reincorporate any separated ingredients, then delicately drizzle over the composed salad.
8. Using light, careful motions, toss the salad to ensure each ingredient receives a harmonious coating of the vibrant vinaigrette.
9. Present the salad immediately to maintain peak freshness, offering additional salt and freshly ground pepper to taste for personalized seasoning.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for maximum crunch and tartness in the salad.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the dish.
• Use fresh cranberries when in season for a brighter, more vibrant taste, or opt for dried cranberries for year-round convenience.
• Swap gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor profile or to accommodate different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg