Description
This Apple & Walnut Salad with Cider Vinaigrette is a refreshing and wholesome recipe that combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy cheese, and a tangy cider vinaigrette. Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy and nutritious salad makes the perfect side dish or light meal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted
- 5 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or romaine)
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- For the Cider Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and dry all produce. Thinly slice the apples and onions. Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Cider Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, red onion, toasted walnuts, cheese, and cranberries. Drizzle the cider vinaigrette over the top and toss gently to coat.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately as a light lunch or side salad. For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken or salmon.
Notes
To prevent apples from browning, toss slices in a little lemon juice. For vegan versions, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute and replace honey with maple syrup. Keep dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of salad)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg