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Sweet, tart, and savory, this easy Apple Walnut Salad is incredible! With crisp fresh apples, complemented by the crunch of walnuts and the creamy richness of blue cheese, it strikes the perfect balance of taste and texture!
Easy Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
My apple walnut salad isn’t your average greens ensemble! Crisp apples bring a refreshing sweetness, walnuts add a satisfying crunch, creamy blue cheese adds a touch of richness, and dried cranberries provide a tart pop. Drizzled with a simple yet delicious balsamic vinaigrette, this salad makes a satisfying side or main topped with some shredded chicken or salmon.
Why You’ll Love Apple Walnut Salad
- Super Easy! With minimal ingredients and a short bit of prep time, this salad is ready in just 10 minutes! All you need to do is make a simple vinaigrette, toss everything together, and serve.
- Refreshingly Delicious! The crispness of fresh ingredients and satisfying crunch of nuts along with the velvety tang of blue cheese and the tartness of cranberries, is the perfect ensemble.
- Versatile Dish! You can serve this apple walnut salad as a simple light lunch, a starter to a larger meal, or top it with your favorite protein, beans, or grilled veggies to serve as a satisfying main course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Salad
- Mixed Greens: I used a blend of spinach, arugula, and romaine for a variety of textures and flavors, but you can use any combination of greens you like.
- Apples: Sliced apples add a juicy freshness to each bite. Some good choices include Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples.
- Walnuts: Provide a nutty crunch and layer of richness. You an use pecans or almonds as substitutes.
- Blue Cheese: Brings a bold and tangy flavor. Feta or goat cheese are excellent alternatives for a milder taste.
- Dried Cranberries: They add a hint of tart sweetness and a pop of color.
Dressing
- Olive Oil: Serves as the base for the dressing, providing a smooth texture and subtle flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the dressing a touch of spicy depth and helps it to emulsify.
- Honey: Balances the acidity in the dressing with a bit of natural sweetness.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to prepare. It requires no cooking, just simple chopping and mixing, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Make The Dressing
Start by whisking together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. It’s important to whisk until the dressing binds together.
Combine The Salad Ingredients
Next, add the mixed greens, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cranberries to a large bowl. Then drizzle the salad dressing over the mixture and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
Serve And Enjoy
Once tossed, serve the apple walnut salad immediately either as a standalone dish or paired with a juicy baked chicken breast if you like!
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I add?
This salad welcomes customization! You can add proteins like grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or tofu for a more substantial meal. For extra texture and flavor, consider incorporating ingredients such as toasted pumpkin seeds, pomegranate seeds, or sliced red onions.
Which apples are best for salads?
While the choice largely depends on your personal preference, some varieties work particularly well in salads. Honeycrisp apples known for their sweet and crisp texture are an excellent choice. Granny Smith apples, with their tartness, provide a delightful contrast to other ingredients. However, Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples are other popular options to consider.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time to streamline your meal preparation. You can wash and chop the mixed greens, slice the apples, and even prepare the dressing in advance. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent the greens from becoming soggy.
Expert Tips
- Use fresh produce. No one likes limp lettuce. Begin with crisp ripe apples and fresh greens. This ensures your salad is bursting with fresh flavor and texture.
- Toast the nuts. Use a dry hot skillet to lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the salad. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor.
- Crumble your own cheese. Don’t buy pre-crumbled blue cheese. Freshly crumbled cheese tends to taste better.
- Balance the flavors. Taste as you go when making the dressing. Adjust the honey and mustard ratios to achieve your preferred level of sweetness and tanginess.
- Serve in a shallow bowl. This helps in evenly distributing the dressing and also showcases the ingredients of your apple walnut salad.
Storage
This apple walnut salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store it, keep the dressing separate from the salad ingredients. Then store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to a week.
Discover More Delicious Salads
- Easy Coleslaw Recipe
- Kale And Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Spring Pea Salad
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Fattoush Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Chinese Chicken Salad
Apple Walnut Salad
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens like spinach, arugula and romaine
- 2 medium apples sliced, such as honeycrisp or granny smith
- ½ cup walnuts chopped
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, crumbled cheese, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish, or top it with grilled chicken or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Tips & Notes:
- Apple Selection: Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a nice crunch and balanced sweetness.
- Cheese Alternative: If blue cheese isn’t to your liking, try feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- Walnut Toasting: For added flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing Variation: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup in the dressing for a different sweet note.
- Storage Tip: If not serving immediately, add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- Protein Addition: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete, protein-packed meal.
