If you’re looking to brighten up your meal with a salad that bursts with texture and flavor, let me introduce you to this delightful Apple Walnut Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy cranberries, and creamy feta—all tossed with a simple, vibrant dressing that brings everything together. Whether you need a quick lunch or a fabulous side for dinner, this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe truly shines with minimal effort but maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe is both easy and essential, as each component plays a crucial role in building those crisp, sweet, nutty, and tangy layers that make the salad so irresistible.
- 2 medium apples (sliced thin, any variety): Choose from tart Granny Smith or sweet Fuji, depending on your taste mood.
- 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach: The fresh, leafy base that adds vibrant color and a tender bite.
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted): Toasting them enhances their crunch and brings out a rich, nutty aroma.
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet apples and nuts.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These chewy bites introduce natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced): For a subtle sharpness that balances the fruit and cheese.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Forms the smooth base of the dressing, adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a hint of tartness to awaken the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to tie the dressing together.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle kick that rounds out the dressing’s complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight every ingredient.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing and thinly slicing your apples. The thin slices help each bite have that perfect balance of apple to greens and nuts. Next, lightly toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant—just a few minutes will do. This step is key for unlocking their full flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
In a large salad bowl, gently toss together the sliced apples, mixed greens or baby spinach, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta or goat cheese, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Mixing these ingredients now ensures the salad has a harmonious blend of varied textures and tastes waiting for the dressing.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. This simple dressing packs a punch of flavor that complements the salad wonderfully.
Step 4: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss everything so the dressing coats each ingredient lightly but evenly. This step is crucial to keep the apples and greens fresh and crisp, avoiding a soggy salad.
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional toasted walnuts or a few more dried cranberries on top just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or microgreens can add a pop of visual appeal and flavor.
Side Dishes
This Apple Walnut Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a simple quinoa dish. It also complements hearty soups or stands alone as a refreshing starter for a dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in individual glass bowls or on a rustic wooden platter for a charming, inviting presentation. You can also stuff the salad into hollowed-out apples for a fun and edible serving vessel that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad components separately if possible—especially the dressing. Keep the greens and apple slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the dressing only when ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
Freezing
Because this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe features fresh fruits and greens, freezing is not recommended. The texture of apples and salad greens will suffer after thawing, becoming mushy and less appetizing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If adding it as a side dish to a warm entrée, simply serve it chilled alongside your meal for contrast.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully and offer their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them lightly before adding to keep that toasty aroma and texture.
Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?
Toasting walnuts is highly recommended because it intensifies their flavor and enhances their crunchiness, making your salad even more delicious.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it onto the salad to bring everything back together.
What type of apples are best for this salad?
It depends on your flavor preference! Tart Granny Smith apples add a nice zing, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples bring sweetness and a juicy texture that balances the salty cheese and nuts.
Is this Apple Walnut Salad Recipe suitable for special diets?
Definitely! This salad is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Walnut Salad Recipe is one of those rare finds that feels like a celebration in every bite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free, plus it brings a burst of healthy ingredients to your table. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it time and again as your new favorite salad!
Print
Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian,Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Walnut Salad featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, mixed greens, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a honey-Dijon vinaigrette. This easy-to-make, gluten-free, and vegetarian salad is perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (sliced thin, any variety)
- 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the thinly sliced apples, mixed greens or baby spinach, toasted walnuts, crumbled feta or goat cheese, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to preserve the crispness of the apples and greens, enjoying the fresh, vibrant flavors.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add sliced celery or pumpkin seeds.
- Use blue cheese instead of feta or goat cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring a sweeter note.
- To make ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent wilting.
