Description
This refreshing Autumn Apple Walnut Salad combines the crispness of fresh apples with crunchy walnuts and a delightful maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for fall gatherings, this salad offers a balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your preferred mix)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Toast the Walnuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Slice the Apples: Thinly slice the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline. Optionally, toss apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If using, sprinkle feta or goat cheese over the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss using tongs or large spoons to coat evenly.
- Serve: Transfer to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider including additional nuts or seeds.
- Feel free to substitute the cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the salad
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg