Cranberry Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-12 · Updated 2026-04-12

A refreshing salad with tart cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a simple maple vinaigrette, ideal for a light lunch or side. This Midwestern-inspired salad recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs mixed greens, dried cranberries, walnuts into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• to taste salt
• to taste pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts.
3. Step 3: Add 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (if using) and pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
4. Step 4: Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and the salad is dressed.