If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant way to brighten your lunch or dinner, this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines crisp apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing that wakes up your taste buds with every bite. The blend of textures and flavors is truly delightful—whether you’re serving it as a light meal or a side dish, it never fails to impress and satisfy. Trust me, once you try this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe, it might just become one of your go-to salads!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe fool you—each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color to the bowl. These components work harmoniously, making the salad both nutritious and irresistibly delicious.
- 6 cups mixed greens: A vibrant base with a mix of spinach, arugula, or romaine adds fresh, leafy crunch and a variety of nutrients.
- 2 apples, thinly sliced: Sweet, crisp apples bring a bright juiciness and natural sweetness that contrast beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted: Toasting walnuts enhances their nutty flavor and crunch, providing a satisfying texture to the salad.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These add a chewy, tangy pop of color and flavor that complements both apples and walnuts perfectly.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): A creamy, salty note if you want to add a little richness to balance the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: The base for the dressing, olive oil adds a silky texture and subtle fruity flavor.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy zing that lifts the entire salad.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle bite and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup: A natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing with delicate sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by gathering a large bowl and tossing together the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese (if you’re using it). This step is all about combining those fresh, crunchy, and flavorful elements so every forkful bursts with variety.
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is fully emulsified and smooth. This dressing is light yet bold, enhancing the crispness of the apples and the nuttiness of the walnuts beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble and Toss Gently
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss everything gently to make sure every leaf and ingredient gets lightly coated, but be careful not to bruise the delicate apples. This keeps all the textures intact while blending the savory and sweet flavors seamlessly.
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, add a sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts or a few thin apple slices on top. A little crack of fresh black pepper or a few more crumbles of feta can also elevate the salad’s appearance and flavor, making it look as fresh as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Apple Walnut Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a hearty quinoa bowl. Its crispness and balanced sweetness make it a refreshing complement to rich or savory mains, providing a perfect textural counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to impress your guests, serve the salad in individual glass bowls or on a bed of large lettuce leaves. Drizzle the dressing artistically right before serving, and consider adding edible flowers or thin ribbons of apple to give an elegant, restaurant-style finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Apple Walnut Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To avoid sogginess, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving again. This helps maintain the crispness of the apples and greens.
Freezing
This salad isn’t suitable for freezing because the fresh greens and apples will lose their texture and become mushy upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day if stored properly.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. The beauty of this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe lies in its crisp, fresh ingredients, so it’s best eaten cold and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even pistachios would add a lovely crunch and slightly different flavor profile. Just toast them lightly to bring out their best.
Is it okay to omit the feta cheese?
Yes, you can leave out the feta cheese if you prefer a dairy-free or milder-tasting salad. The apples, walnuts, and dressing still create a deliciously balanced flavor without it.
What kind of apples work best for this salad?
Firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal because they maintain their texture and add a nice balance of sweet and tart.
Can I prepare any part of this salad in advance?
You can toast the walnuts and slice the apples a few hours ahead, keeping the apples in a bit of lemon water to prevent browning. However, wait to toss everything and dress the salad until right before serving.
Is this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
It’s great for quick meal prep if you keep components separate and assemble when ready. This way, you ensure the salad stays fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe inspires you to embrace fresh, seasonal flavors with a little twist of comforting nuttiness and tangy dressing. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any time of year, whether as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a beautiful addition to your next gathering. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite in your salad rotation!
Print
Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (toasting walnuts)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Walnut Salad combining crisp mixed greens, sweet apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and tangy dried cranberries, all brought together with a smooth, maple-mustard vinaigrette. This quick and easy salad is perfect as a light lunch or a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese if using, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is fully combined and emulsified, creating a smooth vinaigrette.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the dressing without bruising the greens.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to enhance their flavor.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the maple syrup quantity to modify the sweetness of the dressing according to your preference.
- Use any crisp apple variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately after dressing to keep the greens fresh and prevent sogginess.
