The Apple Walnut Salad is one of those delightfully simple yet striking dishes that bring a burst of color, crunch, and freshness to any table. Crisp apples, toasty walnuts, tangy cheese, and juicy dried cranberries mingle with mixed greens and a touch of red onion, all laced with a sweet and punchy homemade dressing. It’s a heavenly blend of flavors and textures, making this salad an irresistible favorite for both casual lunches and festive gatherings.

Apple Walnut Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a few fresh basics and pantry staples, you’re already well on your way to a fantastic Apple Walnut Salad. Every ingredient was chosen for a reason, and each has a part to play in making this salad sing—whether it’s adding crunch, sweetness, creaminess, or a pop of color!

Apples (2 medium, sliced thin): The apples are the real star here—any variety works, but try mixing tart and sweet types for extra dimension.
Mixed greens or baby spinach (6 cups): This bed of vibrant greens makes the salad hearty and adds a leafy freshness that balances the fruit and nuts perfectly.
Walnuts, toasted (1/2 cup): Toasted walnuts bring a warm, nutty aroma and satisfying crunch; don’t skip this simple step for big impact.
Crumbled feta or goat cheese (1/3 cup): The creamy tang of cheese lends a wonderful contrast to the apples and walnuts—pick your favorite!
Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): These jewels add a sweet-tart zing and a burst of color that makes every bite pop.
Red onion (1/4 small, thinly sliced): Just a hint of red onion offers a gentle bite and lovely color contrast.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Luscious olive oil forms the base of a fresh, beautifully balanced dressing.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Its gentle acidity brings brightness to the dressing, enhancing all the salad’s flavors.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon): A subtle touch of sweetness softens the tangy notes of the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Dijon adds body and a hint of zippiness to tie the dressing together.
Salt and pepper (to taste): The finishing touch that pulls all the flavors into harmony.

How to Make Apple Walnut Salad

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by thinly slicing the apples—they’re the highlight of this Apple Walnut Salad, so go for consistency so every piece has plenty of juicy crunch. Lay out your mixed greens or baby spinach in a large serving bowl, then scatter the apples on top. Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for a few minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn, to intensify their flavor.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Bowl

Add the toasted walnuts, crumbled cheese (feta or goat cheese works beautifully here), dried cranberries, and a handful of finely sliced red onion right into the bowl with the greens and apples. The mix already looks gorgeous—bright, fresh, and inviting. Feel free to toss in any optional add-ins like sliced celery or a handful of pumpkin seeds for even more texture.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Shake or whisk until the dressing looks creamy and emulsified. This dressing brings out the best in the Apple Walnut Salad without overpowering its fresh flavors.

Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Use salad tongs (or clean hands if you prefer) to toss everything lightly, making sure each ingredient gets a touch of the vinaigrette. Don’t overdress—add just enough to coat, then taste and add a little more if you want extra zing.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

This salad is at its absolute best right after tossing, when the greens are crisp and the flavors are vivid. Serve the Apple Walnut Salad right away to preserve its freshness and crunch.

How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish takes your Apple Walnut Salad from delicious to unforgettable. Try sprinkling extra toasted walnuts, a few more dried cranberries, or an extra crumble of cheese over the top just before serving. Even a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of honey can add a special finishing touch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled fish or even a hearty soup. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside crusty bread, or add a cup of creamy butternut squash soup to round things out. The versatility of Apple Walnut Salad means it complements both everyday dinners and special occasions alike.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Apple Walnut Salad by plating it individually for an elegant starter, or heap it high on a big platter for a festive buffet. For picnics and potlucks, pack the dressing separately and combine right before serving—no soggy greens! You can even serve it in mason jars for a portable, layered presentation that looks as fun as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have some salad left (it doesn’t last long in my house!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. To keep the salad from wilting, it’s best to only dress what you plan to eat and leave the rest undressed until you’re ready to enjoy it.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Apple Walnut Salad, as both the apples and greens lose their wonderful crisp texture in the freezer. The nuts and dried cranberries can be stored separately in the freezer for freshness if you buy in bulk, but the assembled salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad shines when served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary or advisable. If you want to add a warm element, you can toast fresh walnuts or even include warm grilled chicken on top just before serving for a heartier meal.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Walnut Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep all your components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and dress the salad just before you’re ready to serve for the freshest results and the most vibrant crunch.

What apples work best in this salad?

This is totally a matter of taste. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a zesty bite, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji lend extra juiciness. Mixing varieties is a great way to maximize flavor and color in your Apple Walnut Salad.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Definitely! Substitute the cheese for a plant-based alternative or omit it altogether. Use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The result is still delicious and satisfying for vegan guests.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans, almonds, or even roasted pumpkin seeds are great alternatives if you don’t have walnuts on hand or want to change things up. Each option adds its own special crunch and nutty flavor to the Apple Walnut Salad.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

For a more filling meal, top your salad with grilled chicken, sliced turkey, or even cooked lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. These additions make the Apple Walnut Salad robust enough to stand as the star of your meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about the mix of flavors and textures in this Apple Walnut Salad that keeps me coming back for more. It’s simple, fresh, and endlessly adaptable—a salad worth making over and over again. If you haven’t tried this combination yet, now is the perfect time. Grab some crisp apples, get creative, and enjoy the satisfying crunch of this much-loved classic!

Apple Walnut Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful mix of crisp apples, toasted walnuts, tangy cheese, and sweet cranberries, all tossed in a simple yet flavorful dressing. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a refreshing and satisfying salad option.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

2 medium apples (sliced thin, any variety)
6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
1/2 cup walnuts (toasted)
1/3 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 small red onion (thinly sliced)

Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced apples, mixed greens, toasted walnuts, crumbled cheese, dried cranberries, and red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.