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Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 6 cups salad (arugula and baby spinach or any spring green mix)
• 1 red apple
• 1 green apple
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and chopped (optional)
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup apple juice
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup oil
• 1 cup walnut halves (for candied walnuts)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for candied walnuts)
• ¼ cup sugar (for candied walnuts)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (for candied walnuts)
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for candied walnuts)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice and Dice Your Apples
   Grab your favorite cutting board and a sharp knife. Carefully remove the cores from both the red and green apples, then slice them into thin slices or chop them into 1-inch chunks, whichever you prefer. The key is to keep the pieces uniform so they mix well with the greens. If you're worried about browning, a quick splash of lemon juice will do the trick.

2. Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
   In a large, inviting bowl, combine your choice of greens—whether it's a zesty mix of arugula and baby spinach or another spring green mix that you fancy. Add in the apple slices, roughly chopped walnuts, crumbled feta, and dried cranberries. If you're going for the added savory crunch, toss in the cooked and chopped bacon strips. Give it a gentle toss; you want everything to be well acquainted but not overly crowded.

3. Step 3: Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl or a handy jar, it's time for a bit of alchemy! Whisk together the apple juice, apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar if that's what's in your cupboard), honey, salt, black pepper, and oil until well combined. A jar with a tight lid can make this step a breeze—just give it a good shake. You'll know it's ready when the ingredients meld into a harmonious dressing.

4. Step 4: Dress and Serve the Salad
   Just before you're ready to serve, drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss it all together. This ensures every piece gets a lovely coating, enhancing each bite with a burst of flavor. Serving it immediately keeps the greens crisp and fresh, creating a delightful experience for you and your guests.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet for Candied Walnuts
   To start with your candied walnuts, line a baking sheet with greased parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. This step is crucial for avoiding sticky situations—literally! It will make transferring those sweet, crunchy walnuts a breeze.

6. Step 6: Make Candied Walnuts
   In a medium nonstick pan set over medium heat, let the butter and sugar melt together into a deliciously fragrant syrup. Stir in the walnut halves, along with a pinch of salt and a sprinkling of cinnamon, coating them thoroughly. Keep stirring until the walnuts are beautifully glazed and the scent of cinnamon fills the air. It’s a bit like magic on your stovetop!

7. Step 7: Cool the Candied Walnuts
   Swiftly remove the pan from heat and spread the walnuts in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. This helps them cool quickly and avoids clumping. Let them rest and harden for about 5 to 10 minutes—resist the urge to taste test too soon, as hot sugar can burn! Once cooled, they're ready to be enjoyed, offering a sweet and spicy crunch that takes your salad to the next level.

Notes

A common hiccup with this delightful salad is the temptation to overdress. Remember, the greens should glisten, not drown. Start small; you can always add more dressing, but you can't take it out once poured.

Another pitfall? Overcooking the bacon. Aim for crispy, not charred, to blend beautifully with the other textures.

When candying walnuts, patience is your best friend. Stir slowly over medium heat, avoiding the urge to crank up the heat to finish faster. Fast and furious can lead to burnt sugary bits rather than the glossy, sweet coating we're after. Enjoy the process, and the results will be crunchy perfection!

Keywords: Apple Cranberry Nut Salad, Walnut Apple Salad, Cranberry Walnut Salad, Apple Nut Salad, Cranberry Apple Salad, Walnut Cranberry Salad, Fresh Apple Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts.