Name: Apple Walnut Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 5 oz spring mix greens (like spinach, arugula, or romaine); 2 cups (1 medium) Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced; 1 cup toasted walnuts; 6 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese or feta, cubed or crumbled; 1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries; 1/4 to 1/3 cup Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp dijon mustard; 2 tbsp finely minced red onion; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1/2 tsp coarse kosher salt; 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

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This Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing and hearty celebration of fall’s best flavors. Crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, and creamy cheddar come together over a bed of mixed greens, delivering a perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tang. Topped with a maple balsamic vinaigrette, each bite highlights the rich, nutty tones of the walnuts and the vibrant freshness of the apples. Perfect for a cozy fall evening or as a light, refreshing side for a holiday feast, this salad is easy to customize and sure to impress. You can use any of your favorite apples, switch up the cheese to suit your taste, or add a touch of your preferred seasonal nuts or dried fruit. This dish is a beautiful addition to any autumn-inspired meal, bringing both color and flavor to the table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

5 oz spring mix greens (like spinach, arugula, or romaine)
2 cups (1 medium) Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
1 cup toasted walnuts
6 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese or feta, cubed or crumbled
1/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1/4 to 1/3 cup Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette (recipe below)

Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tbsp finely minced red onion
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

Prepare the vinaigrette by combining all the dressing ingredients in a mason jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake well until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
In a large bowl or serving platter, arrange the spring mix greens.
Thinly slice the apple and layer over the greens. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts, cheese, and dried cranberries on top.
Drizzle the salad with 1/4 cup of the vinaigrette, or more if desired. Serve additional dressing on the side.
Gently toss just before serving to coat the salad with dressing. Enjoy immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Kcal: 775 per serving | Servings: 4

Why Apple Walnut Salad is the Perfect Fall Recipe

Apple Walnut Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a seasonal celebration. This recipe captures the flavors, textures, and colors of autumn with each ingredient carefully chosen to enhance its appeal. The crisp apples, nutty walnuts, creamy cheese, and slightly tart cranberries come together over a bed of fresh greens, all dressed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s visually stunning, incredibly versatile, and satisfying in both taste and nutrition.

The history of pairing apples with nuts dates back centuries. In culinary traditions worldwide, apples have been used as a sweet, crisp component to enhance the texture and flavor of savory salads. Walnuts, with their mild bitterness, have always complemented the sweetness of apples, creating a well-rounded taste profile that appeals to all palates. This salad showcases these two primary ingredients at their finest, honoring the best of harvest season.

Key Ingredients and Health Benefits

1. Apples

Nutritional Powerhouse: Apples provide fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, especially vitamin C. They are known to support heart health, promote gut health, and may aid in weight management.
Texture and Flavor: The firm and juicy texture of apples adds a refreshing crunch, while their sweet-tart flavor enhances the overall taste. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith varieties are preferred for their balance of sweetness and acidity.

2. Walnuts

Heart-Healthy Fats: Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. They also contain antioxidants, fiber, and protein, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.
Nutty Depth: Toasting walnuts intensifies their flavor, providing a deep, earthy contrast to the fresh apples. The slight bitterness of walnuts balances the sweetness of other ingredients, giving this salad a robust, layered taste.

3. Cheddar or Feta Cheese

Creamy & Rich: Both cheddar and feta add a creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the crisp apples and crunchy walnuts. Cheddar brings a bold, savory taste, while feta offers a tangy, salty bite.
Source of Protein and Calcium: Cheese contributes essential nutrients, including calcium and protein, which add to the salad’s satiety factor.

4. Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Sweet and Tangy Balance: The maple syrup in the dressing provides a touch of natural sweetness, complemented by the tanginess of balsamic vinegar and the depth of dijon mustard.
Low Sugar, High Flavor: Unlike many store-bought dressings, this homemade vinaigrette is free from artificial ingredients and unnecessary sugars. The balsamic vinegar enhances digestion, and the olive oil provides healthy fats, making this dressing a wholesome addition.

A Nutrient-Dense Salad

This Apple Walnut Salad combines macronutrients and micronutrients in a way that supports balanced health. With fiber-rich greens, protein-packed cheese, healthy fats from the walnuts, and the vitamins in apples, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal. It’s perfect for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet, increase their fiber intake, and enjoy a variety of antioxidants.

Quick and Easy Preparation

With just a few simple steps, this salad can be prepared in minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient to toss everything together right before serving. This ease of preparation is one reason why this recipe stands out—it’s quick to make but still feels special.

Seasonal Flexibility

Apple Walnut Salad is highly adaptable. While this version is designed for fall, it can easily be modified with seasonal ingredients. For example, in spring, strawberries or pears could replace apples, and toasted pecans could stand in for walnuts. This flexibility allows you to enjoy the essence of this recipe all year long, using the freshest ingredients available.

A Beautiful Addition to Any Holiday Spread

The vibrant colors and appealing presentation of this salad make it a showstopper on any table. It’s particularly fitting for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings, where its flavors complement classic dishes like roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. The touch of maple in the dressing ties it to other autumn flavors, making it feel cohesive in a holiday meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Walnut Salad

1. Choose Your Apples Wisely

Selecting the right apple variety is key to achieving the best flavor balance. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples are ideal for sweetness and crunch. Granny Smith apples, with their tartness, add a slightly sharper taste that complements the sweetness of the vinaigrette.

2. Toast the Walnuts

Toasting walnuts intensifies their flavor and adds an aromatic warmth to the salad. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they are golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to prevent wilting the greens.

3. Use Fresh Greens

A mix of leafy greens like arugula, baby spinach, and romaine is ideal for adding a variety of textures. Ensure the greens are thoroughly washed and dried, as this prevents the dressing from becoming diluted.

4. Prepare the Vinaigrette in Advance

The maple balsamic vinaigrette can be made days in advance, allowing the flavors to blend and intensify. Store it in a mason jar in the fridge and give it a quick shake before drizzling over the salad. This also helps if you’re making the salad for a gathering, as it reduces preparation time on the day of the event.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This Apple Walnut Salad is a balanced fusion of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy elements. Each ingredient has a specific role that complements the others, creating a harmonious taste experience. The maple balsamic dressing is a standout feature, offering a unique twist that’s both flavorful and wholesome. Unlike traditional dressings that can overwhelm the salad’s natural flavors, this vinaigrette enhances each component, allowing the freshness of the apples and greens to shine.

Another standout aspect is its adaptability for various diets. It’s naturally gluten-free, and by selecting a suitable cheese or omitting it altogether, it can easily be made vegan. This inclusivity makes it a versatile dish suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings or potlucks.

Variations and Customizations

Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a slightly different nutty profile. Candied nuts add extra sweetness, while roasted nuts provide a rich flavor.
Cheese: For a different taste, consider blue cheese, gorgonzola, or even goat cheese. Each brings its own distinct flavor that adds a new dimension to the salad.
Fruits: Dried cranberries are delicious, but you could also add fresh pears or pomegranate seeds for more sweetness and texture. Fresh strawberries or mandarin oranges work well in warmer months.
Dressing Substitutions: Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a lighter, more fruit-forward dressing, or use honey in place of maple syrup for a slightly floral sweetness.

Conclusion

Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful combination of simplicity and sophistication. Its seasonal flavors and visual appeal make it a standout dish for fall and holiday tables, while its health benefits and flexibility make it ideal for everyday meals. This salad can transition from a simple side dish to the star of the meal with ease, showing just how versatile a well-crafted recipe can be. Whether served as part of a festive spread or enjoyed as a light lunch, this salad brings a touch of autumn’s charm to any table.