Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fruit salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors. The sweet and tart combination of apples, cranberries, and walnuts pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and cream cheese dressing, creating a rich and indulgent treat. The apples stay crisp, while the dressing offers a creamy and flavorful coating. It’s the ideal balance of freshness and richness, making it a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, holiday meals, or any time you’re craving something light but satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) pkg. Neufchatel cheese, softened slightly (light cream cheese)

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 (8 oz) pkg. light sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 4 lbs crisp, sweet apples, chilled (I used a combo of Gala, Jazz, and Golden Delicious)

• 2 cups cold water, for soaking apples

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, for soaking apples

• 1 cup chopped Fishers Walnuts

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. For the dressing: In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip together the Neufchatel cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

2. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until combined. Chill until ready to serve the salad.

3. For the fruit salad: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cold water and lemon juice. Dice the apples into cubes, removing the cores. As you cut the apples, drop them into the lemon water mixture to prevent browning. Let them rest for about 1 minute, then drain on paper towels.

4. Transfer the apples to a large bowl, and add about 3/4 of the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Add the Neufchatel cheese mixture and toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated.

5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 of the walnuts and cranberries on top of the salad for added texture and flavor.

6. Keep the salad chilled and serve within an hour for the best results.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Ready in: 20 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: You can swap the walnuts for other nuts like pecans or almonds for a different crunch.

• Fruit: Try adding pears, grapes, or even a handful of orange segments for extra sweetness and flavor.

• Sweetener: If you’d like a less sweet dressing, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or substitute with honey or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This fruit salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The apples may soften slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

• Reheating: Since this salad is served chilled, there’s no need for reheating. Just serve straight from the fridge for the best taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make this fruit salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead of time, but it’s best to cut the apples just before serving to maintain their freshness and crispness.

2. How can I prevent the apples from browning?

Soaking the diced apples in water with lemon juice for a few minutes before draining them will help prevent browning.

3. What type of apples are best for this salad?

For the best texture and flavor, use a combination of crisp, sweet apples like Gala, Jazz, and Golden Delicious.

4. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese, but Neufchatel cheese provides a lighter version of the dressing.

5. How can I make this salad more tangy?

If you’d like a tangier flavor, consider adding a little more sour cream or a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.

6. Can I add other fruits to this salad?

Absolutely! You can include other fruits like pears, grapes, or berries to suit your taste.

7. How long will the dressing keep in the fridge?

The dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just give it a quick mix before serving.

8. Can I make a smaller batch of this salad?

Yes, you can cut the recipe in half if you need a smaller batch. Just adjust the ingredient amounts accordingly.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free sour cream and check that the walnuts and cranberries are free from gluten-containing additives.

10. Can I add a crunchy topping to this salad?

Yes, you can sprinkle granola or crushed cereal over the salad just before serving for an extra crunch.

Conclusion

This creamy cinnamon apple and walnut fruit salad is a fantastic way to showcase the flavors of fall. With its sweet apples, tart cranberries, and creamy dressing, it’s a versatile dish that can serve as a side or dessert. Quick to make and easy to customize, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering or simply as a refreshing snack.

Print