Description
This Walnut Apple Salad combines crisp apples, toasted walnuts, creamy cheese, and dried cranberries on a bed of greens with a sweet-tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette. Quick, fresh, and bursting with fall flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 oz spring mixed greens
- 2 cups thinly sliced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- 6 oz extra sharp cheddar or feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp minced red onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a mason jar. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to emulsify.
2. Add dried, clean mixed greens to a large salad bowl.
3. Slice apples thinly and layer them over the greens.
4. Add toasted walnuts, cheese, and dried cranberries over the top.
5. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to combine.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for best flavor.
- Slice apples just before serving or toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Don’t overdress the salad; add vinaigrette slowly and adjust to taste.
- For a heartier version, add quinoa or grilled chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 710
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 61g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 46g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: walnut apple salad, maple vinaigrette, fall salad, healthy salad, quick salad