This apple-cranberry walnut salad is the ultimate ham pairing! Its crisp texture and balanced flavors make it a holiday staple. Serve it alongside roasted potatoes and green beans for a complete festive meal.
Planning your Christmas menu? This salad adds a refreshing contrast to rich ham and other hearty dishes. Its vibrant colors and festive ingredients make it a showstopper for any holiday table.
With just 5 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, this salad is a breeze to make. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and earthy walnuts creates a flavor profile that complements both traditional and modern ham recipes.
Whether you're hosting a large gathering or a cozy family dinner, this salad will elevate your meal. Its versatility allows it to work as a main side dish or a base for other holiday proteins.
Save this recipe now and bring festive flavors to your holiday table. Let's dive into what makes this ham pairing recipe so special!
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavors
The sweet-tart contrast of apples and cranberries pairs perfectly with ham's richness. Toasted walnuts add satisfying crunch.
Nutrient-Packed
Loaded with fiber from greens, antioxidants from cranberries, and healthy fats from walnuts. A festive yet nutritious choice.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare ingredients ahead of time. Toss just before serving to maintain crispness and freshness.
Versatile Presentation
Serve in individual bowls for guests or as a shared platter. The vibrant colors make it a visual centerpiece.
Apple-Cranberry Walnut Salad Recipe
Perfect Christmas ham side dish
Ingredients
- - 6 cups mixed greens
- - 1 cup dried cranberries
- - 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced
- - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- - 4 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Wash greens, slice apples, and toast walnuts in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes until fragrant.
💡 Toast walnuts in a single layer for even browning
Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine greens, cranberries, apple slices, and toasted walnuts.
💡 Add cranberries last to prevent them from getting crushed
Dress and Serve: Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Toss gently to coat.
💡 For best texture, dress salad right before serving
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Mixed Greens
Use a combination of romaine, spinach, and arugula for layered flavors. Substitute with kale or spring mix if preferred.
Substitutions: Escarole, butter lettuce
Dried Cranberries
These add tart sweetness and chewy texture. For a fresher option, use 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped and tossed with 1 tsp sugar.
Substitutions: Fresh cranberries, dried cherries
Balsamic Vinaigrette
The tangy dressing balances the sweetness of the fruits. For a lighter option, use lemon juice mixed with olive oil.
Substitutions: Lemon vinaigrette, apple cider vinegar
Pro Tips for Perfect Salad
Texture Balance
Add croutons or feta cheese for extra crunch and saltiness that complements the sweet-tart profile.
Prep Ahead
Chop apples and walnuts up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Portion Control
Use individual salad cups for easy serving. Add a small bowl of dressing for guests to dress their own salads.
Presentation
Layer ingredients in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors. Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
Variations & Customizations
Protein Boost
Add shredded cooked chicken or grilled turkey breast for a heartier main dish option.
Citrus Twist
Replace balsamic with orange juice and olive oil vinaigrette. Add orange zest for extra brightness.
Nut-Free Version
Omit walnuts and add sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for similar texture without nuts.
Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan balsamic vinaigrette and skip any cheese additions for a plant-based version.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Ham - Glazed honey ham or traditional roast ham
- Roasted Potatoes - Garlic mashed or honey-glazed
- Green Beans - Almondine or steamed with shallots
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with sparkling apple cider, Riesling, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Chop greens, apples, and walnuts up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers.
Refrigerator Storage
Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Dress just before serving.
Freezer Storage
Not recommended for frozen storage as greens will become soggy. Best served fresh.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: How to prevent apples from browning?
A: Toss apple slices with a bit of lemon juice immediately after slicing. Store in a sealed container with plastic wrap directly on the surface.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, but keep dressing separate. Assemble all ingredients except vinaigrette up to 24 hours in advance.
Q: How to toast walnuts without a toaster?
A: Place walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until fragrant and lightly browned (3-5 minutes).
Q: What if I don't have balsamic vinaigrette?
A: Make your own by whisking 3 tbsp olive oil with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp honey.
Final Thoughts
This apple-cranberry walnut salad is more than just a ham pairing—it's a festive celebration of fall flavors. Its vibrant colors and balanced textures make it a holiday table essential.
Whether you're hosting a large gathering or preparing a family dinner, this salad adds a touch of elegance and nutrition to any meal. The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements creates a memorable dining experience.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this salad pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: start with the ham recipe, followed by this salad, then roasted potatoes and green beans, finishing with a holiday dessert.
