Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
Introduction
This Apple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette is a refreshing, hearty dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Crisp romaine, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries come together with savory turkey and sharp cheddar for a flavorful combination.
Ingredients
- 3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced deli turkey (about 4-5 slices) or leftover cooked turkey
- 1/3 cup organic dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt. Whisk together or cover and shake the jar until the vinaigrette is well mixed.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce, diced apple, cubed cheddar cheese, diced turkey, dried cranberries, and walnuts. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and best texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover cooked turkey for a great way to repurpose dinner scraps.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the vinaigrette for a warm, spiced twist.
Storage
Store leftover salad without vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette separately and toss just before serving to preserve freshness. Reheating is not recommended as the salad is best served cold and crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients in advance but toss the salad with vinaigrette just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have apple cider?
You can substitute apple cider with apple juice or a mild white wine, but the flavor will be slightly different.
PrintApple Cranberry Salad with Turkey and Apple Cider Vinaigrette Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Apple Cranberry Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy apples, sharp cheddar cheese, juicy turkey, dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy homemade apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad balances sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a delightful texture contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced deli turkey (or 4–5 slices chopped; leftover turkey also works)
- 1/3 cup organic dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup walnuts
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons apple cider, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and a dash of salt. Whisk the ingredients together until fully emulsified or, if using a jar, cover and shake vigorously to blend the vinaigrette evenly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, diced apple, cubed cheddar cheese, diced 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 until evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures at their best.
Notes
- For the turkey, use either 4-5 slices of deli turkey chopped or leftover cooked turkey chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredient quantities used.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain crunchiness of lettuce and nuts.
Keywords: apple cranberry salad, turkey salad, apple cider vinaigrette, fresh salad, healthy salad, fall salad, romaine lettuce salad
