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Fresh Cranberry Salad Recipe – Easy Holiday Side with Apples and Walnuts

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This vibrant cranberry salad combines tart fresh cranberries, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and crisp celery for a refreshing, festive side dish. It’s light, easy to make ahead, and perfect for holiday gatherings or any cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
  • 1 large or 2 medium sweet apples (about 6 oz), cored and diced
  • 2 celery stalks (about 2 oz), finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1 orange, zested and juiced
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (more or less to taste)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Optional: 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Rinse and drain cranberries. Pat dry and coarsely chop using a sharp knife or food processor (pulse, don’t puree).
  2. Place chopped cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with sugar, stir well, and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Core and dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with 1–2 tablespoons orange juice to prevent browning.
  4. Finely chop celery and roughly chop walnuts. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes if desired, then let cool.
  5. Add apples (with orange juice), celery, walnuts, and orange zest to the sweetened cranberries. Stir gently to combine. Adjust sugar or orange juice to taste.
  6. Optional: For a creamy salad, whisk Greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup and fold into the salad, or serve on the side.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Stir before serving. Garnish with extra walnuts or orange zest if desired.

Notes

Letting cranberries rest with sugar is key to mellowing tartness. Toasting walnuts enhances flavor. Salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead. For nut-free, use pumpkin seeds or omit nuts. For vegan, use plant-based yogurt and maple syrup. Add golden raisins or chopped dates for extra sweetness. Serve chilled for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry salad, holiday side, Thanksgiving, Christmas, apples, walnuts, fresh cranberries, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan option, easy salad, potluck

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/fresh-cranberry-salad-recipe-easy-holiday-side-with-apples-and-walnuts/