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Apple walnut salad with crisp apples, candied walnuts, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Apple Walnut Salad

A fresh and satisfying apple walnut salad with a cozy maple Dijon dressing, perfect for quick meals or entertaining guests.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach and arugula preferred) Can use other greens like romaine or kale.
  • 2 cups crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith) Slice just before serving to avoid browning.
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts Toast in a dry pan for extra flavor.
  • 1 cup crumbled goat cheese Optional, can substitute with feta or blue cheese.
For the Maple Dijon Dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil Use extra virgin for best flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Can substitute with lemon juice.
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Adjust for desired flavor.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons real maple syrup Adjust for sweetness.
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, then let cool.
  2. Prepare the dressing by adding olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake until well combined.
  3. Wash and dry mixed greens. Slice apples just before serving.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, and toasted walnuts.
  2. Drizzle with maple Dijon dressing and toss gently.
  3. If using, sprinkle crumbled goat cheese over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

For meal prep, keep the dressing and toppings separate from the greens and apples until serving to avoid sogginess. Seasonal variations can include adding fruits or proteins for extra flavor.