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A vibrant Apple Walnut Salad in a white bowl on a wooden table

Apple Walnut Salad

A refreshing, crisp salad featuring juicy apple slices, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful side dish, this salad delivers a satisfying mix of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors—ideal for any season, especially fall.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large Salad Bowl: For mixing and serving the salad.
  • Cutting Board & Chef’s Knife: For slicing apples, onions, and chopping walnuts.
  • Dry Skillet: For toasting the walnuts.
  • Small Bowl or Jar with Lid: For whisking or shaking up the dressing.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate dressing ingredients.

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad:
  • 6 cups mixed greens such as baby arugula, spinach, or your favorite blend
  • 2 apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and thinly sliced
  • Tip: Toss apple slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning
  • 1/2 cup walnuts roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries optional, for a burst of sweetness
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional, adds creaminess and tang
  • 1/4 red onion thinly sliced (optional, for a slight bite)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Rinse and dry the mixed greens.
  • Core and thinly slice the apples; if desired, toss with a splash of lemon juice.
  • Roughly chop the walnuts.
  • Thinly slice the red onion and measure out dried cranberries and feta cheese if using.
  • Toast the Walnuts:
  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped walnuts and toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool.
  • Make the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and pepper.
  • Whisk (or shake with the lid on) until the dressing is well emulsified.
  • Assemble the Salad:
  • In the large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
  • Toss gently to ensure even coating of all ingredients.
  • Serve:
  • Enjoy immediately as a light main course or as a side salad alongside your favorite entrée.
  • Details
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes (for toasting walnuts)
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 as a side salad or 2 as a main course
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish, Appetizer, Light Meal
  • Method: Tossing, Toasting
  • Cuisine: American, Contemporary
  • Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (can be made Vegan by omitting or substituting feta cheese)
  • Keywords
  • Apple Walnut Salad, Fresh Salad, Fall Salad, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian, Mixed Greens, Crisp Apples, Toasted Walnuts, Vinaigrette
  • Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
  • Serving Size: 1 large bowl
  • Calories: ~300 kcal
  • Sugar: ~15 g
  • Sodium: ~250 mg
  • Total Fat: ~22 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~25 g
  • Fiber: ~5 g
  • Protein: ~8 g
  • Cholesterol: ~15 mg
  • Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Notes

Apple Prep: Tossing apple slices in lemon juice helps prevent browning.
Toasting Tip: Toast the walnuts until they’re just fragrant and lightly browned; over-toasting may cause a bitter flavor.
Variations: For a vegan version, omit or replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. You can also add protein (like grilled chicken or tofu) to turn it into a heartier meal.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with other seasonal fruits (such as pears) or nuts to suit your taste.
Keyword Apple Walnut Salad, Fresh Salad, Fall Salad, Healthy Salad, Vegetarian, Mixed Greens, Crisp Apples, Toasted Walnuts, Vinaigrette