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Looking for a refreshing, crisp salad that’s both light and flavorful? This Apple Walnut Salad perfectly balances sweet and crunchy, featuring fresh apples, toasted walnuts, and a tangy dressing.
It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that works great as a side or even a light main course.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or serving guests, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. Let’s get started!
Apple Walnut Salad
This Apple Walnut Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the crunch of toasted walnuts. Topped with a tangy dressing, it’s a perfect side dish or light lunch that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Core and thinly slice the apples. If you want to prevent browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion, and crumbled blue cheese (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cheese options: Blue cheese adds a nice tangy flavor, but if you’re not a fan, you can swap it with feta or leave it out entirely.
- Apple choice: Granny Smith apples add a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp apples give more sweetness. Feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Make ahead: To save time, you can toast the walnuts and make the dressing ahead of time. Store the dressing in the fridge and toss it with the salad just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to dress the salad right before serving to keep the greens from wilting.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds are great alternatives if you don’t have walnuts on hand or prefer a different type of nut.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or even quinoa would be excellent additions for a more filling meal.
Wrapping it up
This Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. It’s quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this salad is a go-to option that won’t disappoint!