If you’re craving something bright, refreshing, and packed with a delightful mix of textures and flavors, the Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This salad masterfully balances the crisp sweetness of apples and mandarins, the crunch of walnuts, the tart burst of cranberries, and the creamy saltiness of feta, all tossed together in a luscious sweet balsamic vinaigrette. It’s like a symphony of flavors in every bite, perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even impressing guests with a colorful, wholesome salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each item plays a crucial role in adding taste, texture, and that irresistible pop of color that makes this salad so inviting.
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it forms the perfect green base with lots of crunch.
- Apples: Sweet and crisp, they bring a perfect tartness and lovely texture to the mix.
- Mandarins: Juicy and seedless, these citrus gems provide a bright, sweet burst of flavor.
- Red onion: Finely chopped for a subtle, sharp kick that balances the sweetness.
- Walnuts: Optional but highly recommended for their rich, crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Craisins (dried cranberries): Add a chewy, tangy contrast that complements the nuts beautifully.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty element that elevates the entire salad.
- Sweet balsamic vinaigrette: A smooth blend of sugar, olive oil, salt, and balsamic vinegar that ties all flavors together in delicious harmony.
How to Make Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the lettuce base
Start by washing your romaine lettuce thoroughly. After rinsing, chop it into bite-sized pieces and use a salad spinner to dry the leaves well. This step is crucial to ensure that the dressing clings nicely without watering down the salad. Transfer the crisp, fresh greens to your favorite large salad bowl to set a vibrant foundation for the other ingredients.
Step 2: Add the mandarins
Peel the mandarins carefully, separating the segments to avoid any messy juice drips later on. Using seedless mandarins keeps every bite smooth and easy to enjoy. Toss the bright orange segments right into the bowl with the romaine—their juicy sweetness will instantly brighten the mix.
Step 3: Prep the apples thoughtfully
Chop the apples into half-inch pieces; this size offers the perfect balance between crunch and ease of eating. If you’re not ready to assemble the salad right away, here’s a handy trick! Place the apple chunks into a small bowl filled with the juice of half a lemon and half a cup of water – this keeps them from browning and looking less appealing. When you’re ready to serve, simply drain and add them to the salad bowl.
Step 4: Toss in the finishing touches
Sprinkle in the finely chopped red onion for a hint of sharpness, followed by crunchy walnuts and chewy craisins. These ingredients add incredible texture and layers of flavor. Drizzle your homemade sweet balsamic vinaigrette over the ingredients—start with a little and toss gently, adding more to taste. For the grand finishing touch, scatter crumbled feta cheese on top; its creamy, salty notes perfectly round out the dish. And just like that, your Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is ready to shine at your table!
How to Serve Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of extra beauty and flavor, consider adding thinly sliced fresh herbs such as mint or basil. These fresh leaves complement the citrus and add a refreshing herbal note. You might also sprinkle a few extra whole walnuts or a pinch of cracked black pepper for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, providing a light yet flavorful accompaniment that adds interest to any meal. It also stands well alongside a hearty grain dish like quinoa or wild rice for a more substantial vegetarian option.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mandarin halves or crisp apple bowls for an adorable individual serving. Alternatively, layering the salad ingredients in a clear glass trifle dish creates a stunning visual effect that lets everyone admire those beautiful colors before digging in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. Keep any undressed apple pieces separate until ready to serve again, as they tend to soften when tossed too early.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh greens and delicate fruits. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor, so plan to make it fresh or consume leftovers within a couple of days.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad since it’s designed to be fresh and crisp. If you want to enjoy the salad later, just keep it chilled and dress it right before serving to preserve all its signature textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine adds great crunch and holds dressing well, baby spinach or mixed greens can also work nicely. Just keep in mind that softer leaves might wilt faster when dressed.
Are the walnuts necessary?
Walnuts add a lovely crunch and earthy flavor, but if you have allergies or don’t have any on hand, you can skip them or substitute with pecans or sliced almonds for a similar texture.
How can I make the dressing ahead of time?
The sweet balsamic vinaigrette can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick shake or stir before drizzling, as the ingredients may separate over time.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the creamy element without dairy.
What if I don’t like cranberries?
You can substitute craisins with dried cherries, golden raisins, or even pomegranate seeds for a similar tart-sweet bite that complements the salad perfectly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that effortlessly combines vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a delightful array of textures, the Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe is your new go-to. It’s endlessly versatile, quick to pull together, and always impresses with its balance of sweet, tangy, nutty, and creamy elements. Dive into this salad soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Mandarin Apple Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Mandarin Apple Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sweet mandarins, and crunchy apples, topped with walnuts, craisins, and creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a homemade sweet balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce
- 1–2 medium apples
- 3–4 seedless mandarins
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/2 cup water (to keep apples from browning)
Instructions
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash, chop, and spin dry the romaine lettuce to remove any excess moisture. Transfer the clean greens into a large salad bowl.
- Add mandarins: Peel and separate the seedless mandarins into segments, then toss them gently into the salad bowl with the lettuce.
- Prepare apples: Chop the apples into 1/2 inch pieces. If you won’t be serving the salad immediately, place the apple pieces into a small bowl containing the juice of half a lemon mixed with 1/2 cup water to prevent browning. Drain before adding to the salad when ready to serve.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the chopped red onion, walnuts, and craisins evenly over the salad.
- Dress and finish: Add the sweet balsamic vinaigrette dressing to taste over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the salad with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- To keep apples from browning, soak them in lemon water until ready to add them to the salad.
- Walnuts, feta cheese, and craisins are optional and can be omitted for a simpler or allergen-friendly version.
- The sweet balsamic vinaigrette can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Make sure to spin dry the lettuce thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
