This Apple Walnut Salad is a crisp, light, and refreshing dish that combines sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta, and a perfect blend of flavors, topped off with a maple Dijon vinaigrette. Whether served as a side or a main, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing salad that works for any meal or occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and savory, with the natural sweetness of the apples and dried cranberries paired with the richness of toasted walnuts and crumbled feta cheese. The maple Dijon vinaigrette ties it all together with a tangy yet slightly sweet flavor that enhances the fresh ingredients. Plus, it's a quick and easy salad to make, requiring only 10 minutes of prep time. It's perfect for a light lunch, a dinner side, or even a holiday table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
-
Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if using). -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified. -
Assemble the Salad:
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling salad.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t like feta, try goat cheese or blue cheese crumbles for a different flavor.
- Nuts: Replace walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for a new twist.
- Vegan Option: Omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup for a fully plant-based version.
Storage/Reheating
- This salad is best served fresh and doesn’t hold up well after being dressed. You can store the ingredients separately (without the dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- If you have leftover dressing, it can be stored in a jar or container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
FAQs
How long can I store the salad?
It's best to eat the salad immediately after assembling. If you need to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
What type of apples should I use?
You can use any crisp apple variety like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp, which complement the salad perfectly.
Can I use prepackaged mixed greens?
Yes, prepackaged mixed greens work well for this recipe and can save time.
How do I toast the walnuts?
To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the dressing ingredients do not contain gluten.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a non-dairy cheese option.
Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.
Can I add more fruits?
Yes, you can add pears, pomegranate seeds, or even citrus slices for a twist on this salad.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, skip the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
This Apple Walnut Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a fresh side salad or a light lunch, this vibrant salad will surely satisfy your taste buds. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, healthy, and incredibly versatile!
Apple Walnut Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh, light dish combining the sweetness of apples, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the tang of feta, all topped with a maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or a main, this quick and easy salad makes a healthy, flavorful addition to any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add walnuts, and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- This salad is best served immediately after assembling. If you need to store it, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
