Autumn Harvest Cranberry Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Autumn is the season of vibrant colors and rich flavors, and this Autumn Harvest Cranberry Salad perfectly captures that spirit. With fresh ingredients like cranberries and apple, it's a refreshing and tangy side dish that brightens up any meal.

Ingredients for Autumn Harvest Cranberry Salad

Cranberries: These little gems are the star of the show, bringing a tart and refreshing note that defines the salad.

Green apple: Adds a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavor to complement the cranberries.

Walnuts: Provide a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty undertone.

Orange juice: Acts as the acidic component in the dressing, brightening the flavors.

Maple syrup: Introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness.

Celery: Contributes a crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.

Red onion: Gives a slight pungency and depth to the salad.

Parsley: Offers a fresh herbaceous note to tie everything together.

Olive oil: Adds richness to the dressing without overpowering the other ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toast the walnuts for an extra layer of flavor before adding them.
  • Use a variety of apples if you want a more complex flavor profile.
  • Let the salad sit longer in the fridge for an even more developed taste.

Serving Suggestions

This salad makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken or pork. You could also serve it with a cheese platter to add a fresh, tangy contrast. It’s versatile enough to accompany many main dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but the texture and tartness will differ. You might want to reduce the amount of maple syrup to account for the sweetness of dried cranberries.
How long will this salad keep in the fridge?
It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again.
Can I make this salad nut-free?
Absolutely! You can leave out the walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

Autumn Harvest Cranberry Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your cranberries a good rinse under cold water, and make sure they're well-drained. You'll want them to be fresh and clean for the best flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cranberries, diced green apple, and chopped walnuts. This is your base, and it's already looking colorful and inviting.

In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing will coat every ingredient and bring them to life.

Pour the dressing over your cranberry mixture. Gently toss everything together until it's all well-coated. You don't want to mash the ingredients, so take your time with this step.

Add in the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Mix everything again, ensuring each ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and improve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Celebrates seasonal produce in its prime.
  • Requires minimal prep time for maximum flavor.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors.
  • No cooking required, making it a breeze to prepare.
  • Great make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup diced green apple
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the fresh cranberries.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, diced green apple, and chopped walnuts.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and toss gently to combine.
5. Add the celery, red onion, and parsley to the salad and mix well.
6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

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