Description
This Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing celebration of fall flavors. Combining crisp apple slices, toasted walnuts, creamy cheddar, and a tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette over fresh greens, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and creaminess. Ideal for cozy dinners or festive holiday spreads, this dish is quick to prepare and easy to customize with your favorite seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad:
- 5 oz spring mix greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 cups (1 medium) Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1 cup toasted walnuts
- 6 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese or feta, cubed or crumbled
- 1/4 cup sweetened 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 finely minced red onion
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar.
- Secure the lid tightly and shake until well-mixed. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the spring mix greens on a large serving platter or bowl.
- Layer the thinly sliced apples over the greens.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts, cubed cheese, and dried cranberries on top.
- Add the Dressing:
- Drizzle the salad with 1/4 cup of the prepared vinaigrette, or adjust to taste.
- Serve additional vinaigrette on the side.
- Serve:
- Gently toss the salad just before serving to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Enjoy immediately.