Want a salad that feels like autumn in a bowl but works year-round? Apple & Walnut Salad blends crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and tender greens with a zippy honey mustard vinaigrette—creating the perfect sweet-and-savory bite. This salad is quickly becoming a favorite on search engines and social platforms alike, with queries for “apple walnut salad dressing,” “fall salad ideas,” and “fruit and nut salad” trending across the US, Canada, and the UK. It’s light enough for lunch, bold enough for dinner, and beautiful enough for your next holiday spread.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this refreshing salad with tips for swaps and add-ons:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed greens | 5 cups | Spring mix or spinach-based blend | Baby arugula, kale, or romaine |
| Apple (crisp, sweet-tart) | 1 large | Thinly sliced | Pears, Asian apple pears, or grapes |
| Walnuts (toasted) | ½ cup | Roughly chopped | Pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds |
| Red onion | ¼ small | Thinly sliced | Shallots or green onions |
| Dried cranberries | ¼ cup | Adds tart-sweet chew | Raisins or chopped dates |
| Goat cheese or feta | ¼ cup | Crumbled | Vegan cheese or omit for dairy-free |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp | Key base for the dressing | Whole grain mustard |
| Honey | 1½ tbsp | Natural sweetener for the vinaigrette | Maple syrup or agave |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1½ tbsp | Balancing acidity | White wine vinegar |
| Olive oil (extra virgin) | 3 tbsp | Rich, smooth dressing base | Avocado oil |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Enhances all flavors | Herb salt or lemon pepper |
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Toasting Time: 5 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
No cooking required beyond a quick nut toast—this is the ultimate fast, fresh meal starter.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Toast the Walnuts (Optional)
In a dry skillet, toast walnuts over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned and aromatic. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
3. Slice and Combine Ingredients
Thinly slice the apple and red onion. In a large bowl, combine the greens, apple slices, onion, cranberries, and toasted walnuts.
4. Dress and Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Add cheese just before serving to avoid it melting into the dressing.
5. Plate and Enjoy
Serve immediately on chilled plates for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 270mg
This salad is rich in healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil, fiber from greens and apples, and antioxidants from cranberries.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Sugar: Use a tart apple (like Granny Smith) and reduce or omit dried fruit.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cheese or omit the cheese entirely.
- Add Whole Grains: Toss in cooked farro or quinoa for a hearty grain bowl.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
- Lunch Salad: Pair with whole grain crackers or a cup of soup.
- Holiday Side: Perfect next to roast vegetables or vegan stuffing.
- Wrap It Up: Wrap in a tortilla with extra greens for a salad wrap.
- Picnic Favorite: Keeps well for cool, on-the-go lunches (add dressing just before serving).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Soft Apples: Crisp, firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up better in salads.
- Overdressing: Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
- Skipping Toasting: Toasted walnuts add depth and crunch—worth the extra step.
- Pre-mixing Too Early: Add the dressing right before serving to prevent wilting.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate Components Separately: Store greens, apples, nuts, and cheese individually.
- Make-Ahead Dressing: Keeps up to 1 week in a jar in the fridge.
- Prevent Apple Browning: Soak slices in water with a splash of lemon juice if prepping ahead.
- Leftovers: If already dressed, consume within 1 day for best texture.
Conclusion
This Apple & Walnut Salad is a fresh, flavorful celebration of texture and balance—from tart apple slices to creamy cheese and sweet-tangy vinaigrette. It’s proof that a salad can be crave-worthy, comforting, and quick all at once. Make it your go-to seasonal side or a satisfying lunch bowl, and don’t forget to subscribe for more irresistible salads made simple.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
Yes! Balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-tahini dressing works beautifully, too.
Q: What kind of apples are best?
Use crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—just slice the apple and toss with lemon juice, then combine all parts right before serving.
Q: Is this salad keto-friendly?
With a few swaps (omit honey and cranberries), it can be modified for low-carb diets.
