When autumn rolls around, it’s the perfect time to indulge in flavors that celebrate the season. The Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad is a perfect example of such a treat—combining crisp, juicy apples, rich cinnamon flavors, and the crunch of walnuts, all smothered in a creamy, spiced dressing. This dish not only brings a comforting, seasonal vibe but also serves as a refreshing side or dessert for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or just craving a delicious fruit salad, this recipe will be sure to impress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
The Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad is a great balance of sweet and tart flavors, with a texture that’s both crunchy and creamy. The dressing made from Neufchatel cheese, brown sugar, and spices is wonderfully rich, with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to give it that cozy, fall-inspired taste. Combined with the freshness of apples, the slight tartness of dried cranberries, and the crunch from walnuts, this salad becomes a delightful treat. It’s also easy to make, requiring just 20 minutes of prep time, and can be made ahead for convenience!
Ingredients:
- 1 (8 oz) package 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) package light sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 lbs crisp, sweet apples (such as Gala, Jazz, and Golden Delicious), chilled
- 2 cups cold water, for soaking apples
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, for soaking apples
- 1 cup chopped Fishers Walnuts (or any preferred walnuts)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Electric hand mixer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl for fruit salad
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels (for drying apples)
- Serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dressing Start by preparing the dressing. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Neufchatel cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes light, fluffy, and well-combined. Once it reaches the right texture, add the sour cream and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Once finished, cover the bowl and chill the dressing in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the fruit salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples While the dressing chills, prepare the apples. In a medium mixing bowl, combine cold water and lemon juice. This mixture will help prevent the apples from browning. Start by dicing the apples into bite-sized cubes, making sure to remove the cores. As you cut the apples, immediately place them into the lemon water mixture to soak for about 1 minute. Once soaked, drain the apples on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad In a large mixing bowl, add the prepared apples along with about 3/4 of the chopped walnuts and 3/4 of the dried cranberries. Pour in the chilled Neufchatel cheese dressing and gently toss to coat all of the apple cubes evenly with the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Once the apples are coated in the dressing, transfer the salad to a serving bowl. To garnish, sprinkle the remaining walnuts and cranberries over the top. This adds a beautiful contrast of color and texture to the salad.
Step 5: Chill and Serve For the best flavor and texture, keep the salad chilled until you’re ready to serve. It’s best to serve within an hour of preparation to keep the apples fresh and the salad from getting too soggy. This fruit salad is best enjoyed while it’s crisp and creamy, so avoid letting it sit too long.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving: This salad is perfect for any autumn gathering, holiday meal, or even as a light snack. It pairs well with roasted meats, like turkey or chicken, and makes an excellent addition to a Thanksgiving spread. You can serve it in individual bowls or family-style in a large serving dish.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (though they’re unlikely!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best within 24 hours, as the apples can become soggy if left too long. If you plan to make it ahead of time, prepare the dressing and fruits separately, and toss them together just before serving for the freshest texture.
Variations:
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor and texture.
- Fruit: While apples are the main star here, you can also add other fruits like pear slices, grapes, or even sliced bananas for extra variety and sweetness.
- Dried Fruit: If you don’t have cranberries, feel free to use raisins, dried cherries, or dried apricots as a replacement.
- Greek Yogurt: For a tangier twist, swap out the sour cream with Greek yogurt. This will still provide the creaminess but with a bit of extra protein and tang.
Helpful Notes:
- Apple Selection: For the best flavor and texture, choose crisp, sweet apples such as Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious. These apples hold up well when cut and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Preventing Browning: Soaking the apple cubes in lemon water is an essential step to keep the apples from turning brown too quickly. You can also toss them in a bit of lemon juice before mixing them with the dressing if you prefer a more citrus-forward taste.
- Make-Ahead Tip: To make this fruit salad even more convenient, you can prepare the dressing and chop the apples the night before. Just toss the dressing and apples together right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
- Ina Garten: “Fruit salads are best when you use a variety of textures and flavors. Apples, with their crispness and sweetness, pair beautifully with nuts and creamy dressings.”
- Martha Stewart: “For an added festive touch, try adding a bit of citrus zest to your dressing. Orange or lemon zest will bring a fresh, fragrant note that balances out the richness.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese? Yes, you can use regular cream cheese, but Neufchatel cheese is a lighter alternative with a similar texture and flavor, making it a great option for reducing the fat content.
2. How can I prevent the apples from getting soggy in the salad? To prevent the apples from getting soggy, make sure to drain the soaked apples well and toss them with the dressing right before serving. It’s also a good idea to serve the salad within an hour of assembling for the best texture.
3. Can I prepare the salad the day before? It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the apples fresh and crisp. However, you can make the dressing and prepare the fruits the day before. Just toss them together right before serving.
4. Can I make this salad without the walnuts? Yes, you can easily make this salad without the walnuts. If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t prefer walnuts, you can omit them or substitute with another nut like pecans or almonds.
5. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of dried? Frozen cranberries might be too tart and juicy for this recipe, so it’s best to use dried cranberries for the right balance of sweetness and texture.
The Creamy Cinnamon Apple and Walnut Fruit Salad is the ideal recipe to capture the flavors of fall. Its combination of crisp apples, creamy dressing, and the crunch of walnuts and cranberries makes it a delightful addition to any autumn meal. Whether served at a Thanksgiving table or as a light afternoon snack, this fruit salad will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!
