Crisp Apple Salad with Zesty Cranberry Vinaigrette
This Crisp Apple Salad with Zesty Cranberry Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of fresh and vibrant flavors. The sweetness of jellied cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh apples and a medley of crunchy celery and hearty walnuts. Topped with creamy brie cheese and served on a bed of crisp Bibb lettuce, this salad makes for a refreshing starter or a colorful side dish. The homemade cranberry vinaigrette adds a unique twist, bringing brightness and zest to each bite. Perfect for gatherings or as a light lunch, this salad will impress any guest.
8
Servings
300
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
jellied cranberry sauce
1/2 cup (none)
olive oil
1/4 cup (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
orange peel, grated
1 tablespoon (grated)
rice vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
medium apples, chopped
2 (chopped)
celery, sliced
3 stalks (sliced)
dried cranberries
3/4 cup (none)
Bibb lettuce leaves
8 (for lining plates)
brie cheese, cubed
3/4 cup (cubed)
walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/2 cup (toasted and chopped)
Instructions
1
In a blender, combine the jellied cranberry sauce, olive oil, sugar, grated orange peel, rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, and salt. Cover and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 15 to 20 seconds.
2
Transfer the vinaigrette to a container, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before serving, allow the vinaigrette to sit at room temperature for about 1 hour to enhance its flavors.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sliced celery, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
4
Prepare 8 salad plates lined with Bibb lettuce leaves. Evenly divide the apple mixture among the plates, creating a generous base for each salad.
5
Sprinkle the cubed brie cheese and toasted walnuts over the top of each salad.
6
Serve the salads accompanied by the chilled cranberry vinaigrette, allowing guests to dress their salads to their liking.
Nutrition Information
22.5
Fat
22.5
Carbs
6.25
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crisp Apple Salad with Zesty Cranberry Vinaigrette?
It is a fresh salad featuring tart apples, crunchy celery, walnuts, and brie cheese served with a homemade jellied cranberry sauce dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the main ingredients in the cranberry vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of jellied cranberry sauce, olive oil, sugar, grated orange peel, rice vinegar, fresh orange juice, and salt.
How long does it take to blend the dressing?
You should blend the vinaigrette on high for about 15 to 20 seconds until smooth.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the vinaigrette can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Should the dressing be served immediately from the fridge?
For best flavor, let the vinaigrette sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
What kind of lettuce is recommended for this salad?
Bibb lettuce leaves are recommended to line the salad plates.
What types of fruit are in the salad base?
The salad base includes 2 medium chopped apples and 3/4 cup of dried cranberries.
What vegetable is added for crunch?
Three stalks of sliced celery are added to the apple mixture.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of cubed brie cheese.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be toasted and chopped before being sprinkled over the salad.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 6.25 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is tagged as a vegetarian recipe.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
Rice vinegar is used to provide the acidic component of the vinaigrette.
Does the recipe use fresh orange juice?
Yes, it calls for 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice.
How much jellied cranberry sauce is needed?
The dressing requires 1/2 cup of jellied cranberry sauce.
How do I assemble the salad?
Line plates with lettuce, top with the apple and celery mixture, then sprinkle with brie and walnuts.
Should the dressing be tossed with the salad or served on the side?
The recipe suggests serving the dressing on the side so guests can add it to their liking.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a holiday recipe and a festive side dish.
How much sugar is added to the dressing?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of sugar for the vinaigrette.
What is the preparation for the orange peel?
The orange peel should be grated, using about 1 tablespoon.
How many apple salads are created?
The recipe instructions guide you to prepare 8 individual salad plates.
Can this be served as a main dish?
While primarily a side dish or starter, it is also suggested as a light lunch.
What provides the zest in the vinaigrette?
The combination of grated orange peel and rice vinegar provides the zesty flavor.
Is salt included in the nutritional count?
While salt is an ingredient (1/4 teaspoon), the specific sodium value is not provided in the raw data.
What is the texture of the finished dressing?
The dressing should be smooth and well-combined after blending.