Apple Walnut Salad

Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing, flavorful salad that combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, fresh greens, and a tangy-sweet dressing. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side for holiday meals, this salad offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors—crunchy, sweet, savory, and slightly tangy all in one bite. The combination of apples and walnuts is classic and adds natural sweetness, while the vinaigrette brings everything together with a bright, refreshing finish. This salad is simple, nutritious, and visually appealing, making it a must-have for any table.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fresh, easy, and endlessly adaptable. It’s ready in minutes, requires no cooking, and delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a snack, side, or main dish with the addition of protein like grilled chicken or cheese.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Quick, no-cook preparation
• Healthy and nutrient-rich
• Perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors
• Works for casual meals or elegant gatherings
• Customizable with seasonal fruits and cheeses

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~250 calories per serving (approx.)
• Course: Salad / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American / Contemporary

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
• 2 large apples, cored and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Place mixed greens in a large salad bowl.
2. Add sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries if using.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
5. Toss gently to combine.
6. Top with crumbled cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Produce: Wash and dry greens; slice apples thinly.
2. Toast Walnuts: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet or oven for extra flavor.
3. Make Dressing: Whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble Salad: Combine greens, apples, walnuts, and optional dried fruit in a large bowl.
5. Dress Salad: Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently.
6. Finish: Sprinkle with cheese just before serving.

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How to Serve

Serve Apple Walnut Salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a refreshing side for sandwiches. For a complete meal, add grilled chicken, turkey, or salmon.

Recipe Tips

• Use crisp, firm apples for the best texture
• Dress the salad just before serving to prevent wilting
• Toast nuts for enhanced flavor and crunch
• Balance sweetness with a tart apple variety

Variations (Detailed)

• Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu
• Cheese Variations: Use blue cheese, shaved Parmesan, or ricotta salata
• Fruit Mix: Combine apples with pears, grapes, or pomegranate seeds
• Vegan Version: Omit cheese and use maple syrup for dressing
• Nut Alternatives: Use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store salad components separately for up to 1–2 days
• Dressing Storage: Store vinaigrette in the fridge for up to 1 week
• Freezing: Not recommended; apples and greens do not freeze well

Special Equipment Needed

• Large salad bowl
• Small bowl or jar for dressing
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board
• Skillet (optional, for toasting nuts)

Conclusion

Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make salad that’s both healthy and flavorful. The combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and bright vinaigrette makes it perfect for any meal, from a casual lunch to an elegant dinner. Versatile, nutritious, and visually appealing, this salad is a must-have for anyone who loves fresh, simple, and satisfying dishes.