Apple-Cranberry Salad with Pepitas
Apple-Cranberry Salad with pepitas offers a refreshing twist on a classic fruit salad, combining vibrant flavors and inviting textures. Crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pepitas create a delightful medley complemented by a bright, citrusy dressing making it ideal for a light side dish or snack.
Equipment
- Large Bowl To toss the salad ingredients
- Dry skillet To toast pepitas
- whisk To mix the dressing
- Knife To slice apples
Ingredients
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji) cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) toasted
- 2 cups fresh leafy greens spinach or arugula
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice plus extra to toss apples
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for dressing
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey for dressing
- salt a pinch, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, and maple syrup until smooth, creating a bright, balanced dressing.
- Core and thinly slice the apples, then immediately toss with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning while maintaining crisp texture.
- Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and golden, enhancing nutty flavor and crunch.
- In a large bowl, combine fresh leafy greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted pepitas. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly without bruising ingredients.
- Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or extra lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy fresh textures and pepitas crunch.
Notes
- Cool the salad completely before transferring to airtight containers to prevent condensation and sogginess.
- Store dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain crisp textures.
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days; apples may soften and pepitas lose crunch thereafter.
- Reheating is unnecessary; allow salad to come to room temperature if serving with warm dishes.
- Freeze dried cranberries or pepitas separately if meal prepping in advance; toss fresh before serving.
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