Description
This Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring a mix of greens, sweet apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, tangy dried cranberries, and optional creamy feta cheese. Tossed with a homemade apple cider vinaigrette that balances sweetness and tang, this salad makes a perfect light lunch or side dish. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a quick, nutritious, and satisfying recipe that highlights crisp, natural flavors and varied textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
- 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, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients evenly, making sure the apples and walnuts are well distributed throughout the greens.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is fully combined and emulsified. This creates a balanced vinaigrette with a nice sweet and tangy flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every leaf and slice is coated with the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use fresh, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, to enhance their crunchiness and flavor.
- The feta cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Store any leftover salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness.
- This salad is best served immediately after dressing to prevent greens from wilting.
