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
Scale
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.
