This Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas is everything you could want: crisp, sweet, tangy, and crunchy in every bite.

Trust me, this isn’t your basic salad. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask, “What’s in this?!” Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or making it your go-to healthy lunch, this salad is a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Green Salad

Quick & Easy: Toss it together in under 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Big on Flavor: The combo of crisp apples, chewy cranberries, and nutty pepitas makes every bite exciting.
Healthy & Fresh: Loaded with greens and wholesome ingredients that leave you feeling great.
Customizable: Adjust the toppings, greens, or dressing to fit your preferences or whatever’s in your fridge.

How to Make It

Making this salad is as easy as it gets. Here’s how it all comes together:

First, grab your greens. Baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix work perfectly here. Toss them in a large bowl, giving yourself plenty of room to mix everything.

Next, slice up a crisp apple. I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their sweet-tart balance, but any firm apple will do. Thin slices or matchsticks work best to keep things light and easy to eat.

Sprinkle in dried cranberries for a pop of chewiness and sweetness. Then, add roasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a little crunch and nuttiness. These are such a fun alternative to croutons and pack a ton of flavor.

Finally, drizzle everything with your dressing of choice. A tangy balsamic vinaigrette or a maple Dijon dressing really ties this salad together beautifully. Toss lightly, and you’re done!

Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas

Make Ahead Method

Want to prep this salad ahead of time? You totally can!

Greens: Wash and dry the greens, then store them in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
Apples: Slice the apples and toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Store them separately.
Toppings: Keep the pepitas and cranberries in a small container or baggie so they stay crunchy.
Dressing: Whisk up your dressing and store it in a jar. Shake well before using!

When it’s time to serve, just toss everything together. Easy peasy!

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Greens: Greens like arugula or baby spinach work beautifully here. If you’re using heartier greens like kale, massage them with a little olive oil to soften them up.
Toast the Pepitas: Lightly toasting the pepitas in a dry skillet brings out their nutty flavor. It only takes 2-3 minutes, and it’s worth it!
Sweetener in Dressing: If your dressing feels a little too tangy, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance it out.
Layer Ingredients: When serving at a party, layer the ingredients instead of mixing them. It looks gorgeous and stays fresh longer!

Storage Options

Here’s how to keep your salad fresh:

If you have leftovers, store the dressing separately to avoid soggy greens.
Keep salad components in airtight containers. Greens will stay fresh for up to 2 days if stored properly.
If pre-dressed, eat the salad within 24 hours for the best texture.

Tools for Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas

Large Salad Bowl: Big enough to toss everything without making a mess!
Sharp Knife: For slicing apples thinly and evenly.
Whisk or Jar: To make your dressing smooth and mix it well.
Tongs: For gently tossing the salad without crushing the greens.

FAQs!

Q: Can I use a different fruit besides apples?
Absolutely! Pears are a great substitute, or even some orange segments for a citrusy twist.

Q: Can I add some protein to make it a full meal?
Yes! Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken would work wonderfully.

Q: What if I don’t have pepitas?
No worries! Swap them with sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts.

Q: What dressing works best for this salad?
A balsamic vinaigrette, maple-Dijon dressing, or even a simple olive oil and lemon juice combo work beautifully.

Variations and Substitutions

Greens: Use mixed greens, arugula, or even kale (just massage it first!).
Fruit: Swap apples for pears, oranges, or even fresh pomegranate seeds.
Nuts/Seeds: Pepitas are fantastic, but you can use chopped almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds instead.
Dressing: Try a citrus vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing for a fun twist.

Conclusion

This Green Salad with Apples, Cranberries, and Pepitas is the perfect mix of fresh, sweet, and crunchy. It’s easy enough for a quick lunch but fancy enough for a holiday table. I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen like it has in mine!

If you make this salad, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below and let me know if you made any fun tweaks. Your feedback makes my day! 🥗💚