If you are searching for a fresh and satisfying dish that brings together crisp textures and bright, tangy flavors, the Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe is an absolute delight to add to your mealtime rotation. This salad perfectly balances savory turkey and sharp cheddar with sweet apples and dried cranberries, all elevated by a zesty apple cider vinaigrette that ties every ingredient together beautifully. It’s colorful, nutritious, and refreshingly simple—ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner that never feels ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this salad sing. Every component plays an essential role, from the crisp romaine providing a sturdy base to the dried cranberries adding a burst of sweetness, all rounded out by a tangy vinaigrette that brings harmony to the flavors.
- Olive oil: The foundation of the vinaigrette, it delivers a smooth richness.
- Apple cider: Adds a gentle, fruity sweetness that complements the vinaigrette’s tang.
- Apple cider vinegar: Brings the perfect acidic brightness to balance the salad.
- Salt: A dash to enhance and unify all flavors.
- Romaine lettuce (3 hearts): Crisp and refreshing, it provides great texture and crunch.
- Large apple (diced): Sweet and juicy, it adds natural sweetness and crispness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1/2 cup cubed): Introduces a bold, savory contrast to the fruit elements.
- Deli turkey (1 cup diced): Tender and protein-rich, it makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Organic dried cranberries (1/3 cup): Sweet-tart bites that brighten each forkful.
- Walnuts (1/3 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and earthy warmth.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Start by combining olive oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt in a small bowl or jar. Whisk everything together or cover the jar and shake vigorously until the vinaigrette is beautifully emulsified. This tangy dressing is the magic behind the salad’s bright and balanced flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped romaine lettuce, diced apple, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, diced deli turkey, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Each ingredient will contribute its unique texture and taste, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience loaded with fresh and hearty flavors.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the freshly made apple cider vinaigrette over the salad and give everything a gentle but thorough toss to ensure every bite is coated with that irresistible dressing. Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and texture, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese or additional toasted walnuts on top. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can elevate the salad’s aroma and freshness, making it even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a light soup such as butternut squash or tomato basil. The savory elements of the turkey and cheddar create a satisfyingly filling meal that balances well with these comforting sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing on the bottom and ingredients arranged on top for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, plate it in a large wooden bowl for a rustic, inviting picnic-style look that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately to preserve freshness. Keep the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge and toss with dressing just before serving to retain crispness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the fresh ingredients and vinaigrette, this salad is not suitable for freezing. The texture of lettuce and fresh apples will not hold up well once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm up some leftover turkey, do so separately and then add it back to the salad when ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I substitute the romaine lettuce with another type?
Absolutely! While romaine offers great crunch and structure, baby spinach or mixed greens can be wonderful alternatives if you prefer a softer texture or more variety.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the deli turkey and consider adding chickpeas or roasted nuts for extra protein. The sharp cheddar and apple cider vinaigrette will still shine perfectly.
How long does the vinaigrette keep?
You can store the vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always give it a good shake before using to recombine the ingredients.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries can be used but will add a tartness and firmness that’s quite different from the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries. You might want to balance with a bit of honey or maple syrup in the vinaigrette if using fresh.
What kind of apples are best for this salad?
Crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal as they provide sweet juiciness and maintain their crunch, complementing the salad’s textures perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes you find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and especially wonderful for those days when you want something that feels fresh but also nourishes you deeply. Enjoy every bite and the smiles it will bring to your table!
Print
Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Apple Cranberry Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, sweet diced apples, savory deli turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a wholesome starter, this salad combines sweet and savory flavors with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Dash of salt
For the Salad
- 3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced deli turkey
- 1/3 cup organic dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup walnuts
Instructions
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt. Whisk together thoroughly or seal and shake the jar until the vinaigrette is well emulsified and combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, diced apple, cubed cheddar cheese, diced deli turkey, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Pour the prepared apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the salad ingredients together with the vinaigrette until evenly coated. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures.
Notes
- Use a crisp apple variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture and sweetness.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the deli turkey or replace it with chickpeas or roasted tofu.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor and crunch before adding to the salad.
- The salad is best served immediately to prevent the lettuce and apples from wilting or browning.
- Adjust the vinaigrette seasoning by adding a little honey or mustard for more depth if desired.
