Apple Cranberry Salad

This apple cranberry salad is my go-to when I want something crisp and seasonal. The maple Dijon dressing gives it just the right balance of tang and sweetness. It’s perfect for fall dinners or any time you want a fresh side, especially during the holiday season.

Jump to Recipe

A bowl of apple cranberry salad with sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, arugula, feta, and nuts, placed on a tiled surface with apples, pomegranate, dressing, and utensils nearby.

Why This Recipe Works

I love making this Apple Cranberry Salad when I want something fresh, colorful, and full of texture. It’s the kind of salad that feels simple but tastes like you put real care into it.

Bright and Crisp: The mix of thinly sliced apples and Brussels sprouts gives every bite a satisfying crunch. It’s that same fresh, crisp vibe I love in my Fall Harvest Salad.
Sweet and Tangy Balance: The maple Dijon dressing ties everything together with just the right mix of sweetness and tang. It complements the tart cranberries and creamy feta perfectly.
Easy to Make Ahead: You can prep everything in advance and toss it together right before serving. It’s ideal for busy days or when you’re hosting and want to keep things stress-free.
Colorful and Festive: The pops of red from the cranberries and pomegranate make it look beautiful on the table. It’s a salad that always feels right for fall gatherings or holiday meals.
Versatile and Filling: Add chicken, turkey, or quinoa to turn it into a full meal. I love how it works as both a side and a main, just like my Chicken Salad with Apples.

Close-up of a salad with arugula, apple slices, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!

Ingredients

Apples – Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji add sweetness and crunch. Slice them thin so they mix easily with the greens. If you prefer a more tart flavor, use Granny Smith apples.
Arugula – Adds a peppery bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit. You can swap it for mixed greens or baby spinach if you like a milder flavor.
Brussels Sprouts – Thinly sliced sprouts bring texture and a hearty crunch. They also hold up well to the dressing, making the salad stay fresh longer.
Toasted Pecans – Provide a warm, nutty crunch that complements the apples and cranberries. Walnuts or pumpkin seeds work just as well if you need a substitute.
Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet fruit. Goat cheese is a great alternative if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Dried Cranberries – Bring a chewy sweetness and a pop of color. You can use dried cherries or raisins if that’s what you have on hand.
Pomegranate Arils – Add juicy bursts of tart flavor and a festive look. If pomegranates aren’t in season, try fresh raspberries or red grapes.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Gives the dressing a bright tang that pairs perfectly with the apples. White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle sharpness. Whole grain mustard works too for a bit more texture.
Maple Syrup – Brings gentle sweetness that ties the flavors together. Honey is a simple substitute if you prefer.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

Instructions

Six small bowls with mustard, oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and an empty one, plus a whisk, arranged on a light hexagonal tile surface.

A whisk rests on a small plate with grated zest, next to a glass of mixed liquid and a bowl with residue, all on a light hexagonal-tile surface.

Prep dressing ingredients: Gather the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and salt and set them aside.
Whisk the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar and whisk until smooth and fully emulsified.

A whole apple, halved and sliced apple pieces, and a paring knife are arranged on a white cutting board on a tiled surface.

A hand pours creamy dressing from a jar onto a bowl of fresh green salad with leafy vegetables, on a tiled surface.

Slice the apples: Thinly slice the apples and set them aside so they’re ready to add right before serving.
Dress the greens: Add the arugula and shredded brussels sprouts to a large bowl and drizzle about half of the dressing over the top.

A salad with apple slices, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, arugula, and pecans is served in a bowl with wooden salad tongs. Surrounding the bowl are salad ingredients and a jar of dressing.

A creamy dressing is being poured over a salad with mixed greens, apple slices, feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, pecans, and dried cranberries on a white plate.

Add apples and mix-ins: Top the greens with sliced apples, toasted pecans, feta, dried cranberries, and pomegranate arils.
Finish with extra dressing: Pour the remaining dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately for the best crunch.

For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.

An apple cranberry salad with apple slices, arugula, pomegranate seeds, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and pecans served in a black bowl on a tiled surface.

Substitutions & Variations

Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:

Protein Options: I like to add shredded chicken or roasted turkey when I want to make this salad a full meal. You can also toss in cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Nut Swaps: Pecans are my go-to, but walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios work great. If you need a nut-free version, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds for that same crunch.
Cheese Choices: Feta gives a nice salty bite, but goat cheese adds creaminess. Blue cheese or shaved parmesan can also change up the flavor.

A person serves an apple cranberry salad with apple slices, pomegranate seeds, nuts, and cheese onto white plates. An apple sits beside the plate and utensils.

What to Serve with Apple Cranberry Salad

Main Dishes

This Apple Cranberry Salad pairs beautifully with hearty mains. We love serving it alongside the rich flavors of Apple Cider Braised Beef Roast for a cozy, balanced meal.
It’s also a great match for seafood dishes like Crab Stuffed Salmon With Fennel Salad or Crispy Skin Salmon with Veggies and Noodles.

Salads

For drinks, we like to keep things bright and seasonal. A glass of Fall Sangria Recipe or a bubbly Cranberry Fizz Cocktail pairs perfectly with the salad’s fruity notes.
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, try a Blackberry Mint Cocktail or a festive Pomegranate Tangerine Bellini. Both bring out the bright flavors of the apples and cranberries.

A plate of salad with sliced apples, crumbled cheese, pecans, greens, and pomegranate seeds, with a fork and knife placed on the side.

FAQs

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add shredded chicken, roasted turkey, or cooked quinoa to make it a full meal. The flavors blend well with the maple Dijon dressing.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Fuji are all great choices, but you can use any crisp apple you like. If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples work nicely too.

How long does it keep?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to maintain the crunch.

A plate of mixed green salad with sliced apples, feta cheese, pecans, dried cranberries, and pomegranate seeds, with a fork on the side.

More Salad and Dressing Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Pineapple Dressing Recipe – This Pineapple Dressing recipe is sweet, tangy, and tropical. It blends up in minutes and adds bright flavor to just about any salad.
Beet Salad with Citrus Tarragon Dressing – This refreshing beet salad with citrus tarragon dressing is packed with flavors of spring. Topped with toasted walnuts for crunch and creamy goat cheese. This salad is where spring dreams come true.
Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing – This Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is bright, savory, and filling. It’s great as a light dinner or lunch.
Spicy Cucumber Salad – This 15-minute spicy cucumber salad has the perfect blend of bold, refreshing, and fiery flavors! Enjoy it as a side, snack, or light main.

If you try this Apple Cranberry Salad recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!