Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Dressing

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Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing dish that brings together the best of sweet, tart, crunchy, and creamy. This colorful bowl of greens, apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese is elevated with a simple balsamic vinaigrette that pulls all the flavors together. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, holiday gathering, or weeknight dinner, this Apple Walnut Salad offers a vibrant and delicious bite with every forkful. With ingredients like Honeycrisp apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, it’s a salad that tastes like fall—any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Salad

This Apple Walnut Salad is more than just a pretty plate. Here’s why it’s bound to be a favorite:

  • Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet apples, tangy blue cheese, and a zippy dressing is irresistible.
  • Super Simple: Ready in just minutes with minimal prep and no cooking required.
  • Versatile Meal: Serve it solo or bulk it up with grilled chicken or roasted veggies.
  • Seasonal and Affordable: Made with accessible produce and pantry staples.

Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or an elegant starter, this salad makes eating greens exciting.

The Story Behind Apple Walnut Salad

This fresh and vibrant salad has roots in classic American cuisine. Here’s how it came to be a staple:

  • Waldorf-style inspiration: The combination of apples and nuts was popularized in upscale hotel kitchens in the late 19th century.
  • Regional fall favorite: Apples and walnuts are autumn harvest staples in many parts of the U.S.
  • Modern updates: Blue cheese, cranberries, and Dijon vinaigrette give this traditional mix a gourmet twist.
  • Customizable base: It’s often adapted with different greens, fruits, cheeses, and proteins.
Apple Walnut Salad

Key Ingredients in Apple Walnut Salad

  • Mixed Greens: A mix of romaine, spinach, and arugula provides a crisp, peppery foundation.
  • Apples: Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their crisp texture and sweet-tart balance.
  • Walnuts: Chopped and optionally toasted for a nutty crunch.
  • Blue Cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness.
  • Dried Cranberries: Adds chewy texture and a pop of fruity sweetness.
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey come together in a balanced, bold dressing.

How to Make Apple Walnut Salad

Simple Steps for Perfect Apple Walnut Salad Every Time

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
  2. Prep the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, add 6 cups of mixed greens—use a combination of romaine, arugula, and spinach for texture and bite.
  3. Slice the Apples: Thinly slice two medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best). Toss lightly with lemon juice if prepping in advance.
  4. Toast the Walnuts (Optional): Heat a dry skillet over medium and toast ½ cup chopped walnuts for 3–5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Add the apple slices, toasted walnuts, ½ cup crumbled blue cheese, and ¼ cup dried cranberries to the greens.
  6. Dress and Toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy it as a fresh side dish or add grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted veggies for a heartier meal.

Apple Walnut Salad Tips and Twists

Make the Most of This Flavorful Salad

Pro Tips:

  • Apple Selection: Always go for crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for texture and flavor.
  • Toast the Nuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their depth and adds warmth.
  • Keep it Crisp: Wait to dress until right before serving to avoid soggy greens.
  • Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, use crumbled feta or soft goat cheese.
  • Dressing Options: Maple syrup can be swapped for honey for a fall-inspired note.

Fun Variations:

  • Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu make it a complete meal.
  • Fruit Twist: Try thin pear slices or pomegranate seeds in place of cranberries.
  • Nut Mix: Substitute or mix in pecans or almonds for variety.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Storage: Keep undressed salad components in the fridge in separate containers for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: No reheating needed—this is a cold salad best served fresh.
  • Make-Ahead: Mix the dressing and prep ingredients ahead. Store separately and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Walnut Salad

Apple Walnut Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—just prep the components and store separately. Add dressing right before serving.

2. What’s the best apple for this salad?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for crunch and balance. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious.

3. Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or goat cheese are both great alternatives.

4. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes—just double-check your Dijon and balsamic vinegar labels to be safe.

5. How can I make it vegan?
Skip the cheese or use a vegan alternative, and swap honey with maple syrup in the dressing.

Enjoy Your Apple Walnut Salad

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Apple Walnut Salad to make you feel both satisfied and refreshed. Its mix of textures and flavors makes it an easy favorite, whether you’re prepping a light lunch or dressing up your dinner table. This salad is proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly delicious. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to for every season!

Explore More Recipes Like Apple Walnut Salad

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Apple Walnut Salad
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Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Dressing

This Apple Walnut Salad combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy blue cheese over mixed greens, all tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, flavor-packed side or light meal—perfect for beginner home cooks!
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword apple and blue cheese salad, apple walnut salad, balsamic salad dressing, easy salad, fall salad recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320kcal
Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

Salad

  • 6 cups mixed greens spinach, arugula, romaine
  • 2 medium apples sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • ½ cup walnuts chopped
  • ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well blended.
  • Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. Add to a large salad bowl.
  • Slice the apples thinly and toss with lemon juice if making ahead to prevent browning.
  • Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes over medium heat until fragrant (optional).
  • Add apple slices, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and cranberries to the greens.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving.
  • Gently toss until all ingredients are coated.
  • Serve immediately, as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a full meal.

Notes

To keep your Apple Walnut Salad crisp, add the dressing just before serving. For a flavor twist, substitute the honey with maple syrup and use goat cheese instead of blue cheese.

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