Apple Walnut Salad

Name: Apple Walnut Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups mixed greens; 1 large apple, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Light & Clean Cooking

I absolutely love this Apple Walnut Salad for its fresh flavors and delightful crunch. Combining crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, this dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Whether served as a side or a light main course, it always impresses. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to assemble and can be made in just 15 minutes! I often prepare it for gatherings, and the vibrant colors always catch my guests' attention.

Created by

Amelia Grant

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:37:36.098Z

When I first tried making an Apple Walnut Salad, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a satisfying dish. The combination of sweet apples and crunchy walnuts offers a wonderful contrast, which is enhanced by a zesty dressing. I experimented with various vinaigrettes and found that a mix of balsamic vinegar and honey elevates the flavors perfectly. It’s the ideal accompaniment for any meal or a refreshing stand-alone treat!

Over the years, I’ve learned that toasting the walnuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor significantly. This small step makes a huge difference. If you have leftover salad, it keeps well in the fridge for a day or two, but make sure to add the dressing just before serving to maintain that satisfying crunch!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crisp, refreshing apples paired with crunchy walnuts
A delightful tangy vinaigrette that ties everything together
Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining

Choosing the Right Apples

The choice of apples can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your Apple Walnut Salad. For contrast in texture, I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness of Granny Smith pairs beautifully with the rich walnuts and creamy feta. Slice your apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss them with a bit of lemon juice to keep them vibrant and fresh for longer.

If you're looking for a crunchier option, consider using a firmer variety like Fuji or Jazz apples. These varieties hold up well in salads, providing that delightful snap with each bite. Avoid soft apples, as they can turn mushy and lose their appealing crunch in this refreshing dish.

Making the Perfect Vinaigrette

A well-balanced vinaigrette is essential for dressing your Apple Walnut Salad. To achieve that perfect tangy sweetness, start by ensuring that your balsamic vinegar is of good quality; it should have a rich flavor profile that complements the fruitiness of the apples. When combining ingredients, whisk them vigorously in a bowl; this emulsifies the olive oil and vinegar, resulting in a glossy, cohesive dressing that clings beautifully to the salad ingredients.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette to your taste. If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the honey or substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, enhance the dressing with a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for an extra depth of flavor, which not only adds zest but also helps stabilize the emulsification.

Serving and Storing Tips

For the best experience, serve your Apple Walnut Salad immediately after tossing it with the vinaigrette. This ensures that the greens remain crisp and the apples stay fresh. If preparing ahead of time for a gathering, consider keeping the components separate and combining them just before serving to maintain the desired texture and crunch.

If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The apples may brown slightly, but they will retain most of their flavor. This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the greens and apples will lose their freshness once thawed. To elevate leftover servings, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a light dinner.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Apple Walnut Salad:

Salad Ingredients

2 cups mixed greens
1 large apple, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries

Vinaigrette Ingredients

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Once you have everything ready, it's time to assemble the salad!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Apple Walnut Salad:

Prepare the Ingredients

Wash and dry the mixed greens. Thinly slice the apple, and toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, until fragrant.

Make the Vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Everything

In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, feta cheese, and dried cranberries. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Serve

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your fresh Apple Walnut Salad!

Enjoy your delicious salad and the burst of flavors it offers!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds. Adding sliced pears alongside the apples creates a delightful variation!

Variations and Add-ins

Experimenting with additional ingredients can elevate your Apple Walnut Salad even further. For a burst of flavor, consider incorporating citrus segments like orange or grapefruit. Their juiciness complements the crunch of the walnuts and the sweetness of the apples beautifully.

Another great addition is thinly sliced red onion for a bit of a bite. This ingredient contrasts nicely with the softer flavors present in the salad while adding visual appeal with its vibrant color. If you're looking for protein, chic peas or grilled tofu can make this salad a satisfying main course.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your salad starts to wilt or become soggy, it's typically due to overdressing. Start by adding a smaller amount of vinaigrette and gradually increase to avoid over-saturation. Always remember to serve immediately to prevent this issue from arising.

Should you find that the apples brown too quickly, either slice them just before serving or mix them with a bit of lemon juice prior to tossing everything together. This not only keeps them looking fresh but also adds a subtle zing that enhances the dish.

Scaling the Recipe

This Apple Walnut Salad is easily scalable, making it suitable for both small and large gatherings. For a crowd, simply multiply the quantities of each ingredient by the number of servings needed. Keep in mind that toasted walnuts can be made in a larger batch and stored in an airtight container for several weeks, ready to be added to salads or snacks anytime.

When scaling up, consider balancing the proportions of the vinaigrette. Adjusting for taste can be key; start with a base of the original recipe, but always taste and tweak to ensure a harmonious flavor profile across larger servings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

While you can prep the ingredients in advance, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

→ What kind of apples work best?

I recommend using a sweet-tart variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.

→ Can I substitute other nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds.

→ Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.