Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

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Craving a salad that’s anything but boring? One that combines sweet, crunchy, and savory in every single bite?

Look no further than this Apple Walnut Salad that bursts with flavor in every bite. Sweet apples meet crunchy walnuts. Savory notes tie it all together. This Apple Walnut Salad redefines “rabbit food.” It turns simple greens into a crave-worthy dish.

Perfectly suited for the season, this salad is your go-to for a quick and healthy meal. Whether you need a vibrant light lunch to power you through the day, it’s a stunning autumn side dish.

It’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table, or just a refreshing salad that comes together in minutes, this recipe delivers. It’s packed with crisp, fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette that ties it all together beautifully. Let’s make a salad you’ll actually be excited to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Walnut Salad wins hearts for many reasons. Here’s why it’s a must-try in a quick, easy-to-read list:

• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Perfect Texture Combo: Crisp apples snap. Crunchy walnuts pop. Tender greens balance every bite.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for a light lunch, meal prep, or Thanksgiving side dish.
• Customizable to Taste: Swap greens for kale or spinach. Add cranberries or switch dressings.
• Healthy and Nourishing: Apples bring fiber. Walnuts offer omega-3s. Greens pack vitamins.
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Seasonal apples and pantry staples keep costs low.
• Scalable for Any Crowd: Make a single serving or enough for a party. Adjust easily.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Go keto with sugar-free sweeteners. Keep it vegan with maple syrup.
• Fresh and Flavorful: Sweet, savory, and nutty notes create a vibrant, satisfying salad.
• Meal Prep Made Simple: Store components separately. Assemble fresh in minutes.

This salad checks all the boxes. It’s fast, flexible, and full of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Walnut Salad comes together with fresh, simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:

• Greens: 6 cups mixed greens or baby spinach. Kale works for a heartier option.
• Apples: 2 medium apples. Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for tartness.
• Walnuts: 1/2 cup, toasted and coarsely chopped. Raw works too.
• Red Onion: 1/4, thinly sliced. Adds a sharp kick.
• Dried Cranberries: 1/4 cup. Optional for chewy tartness.
• Bulgur: 1/2 cup, cooked. Optional for a heartier salad.
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup. For the balsamic vinaigrette.
• Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Brings tangy depth.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon. For dressing emulsification.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: 1 tablespoon. Sweetens the vinaigrette.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Enhances all flavors.

Essential Equipments

• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Salad spinner
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large salad bowl
• Tongs

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How to Make Apple Walnut Salad

Follow these steps to create a perfect Apple Walnut Salad:

1. Make the Dressing: Grab a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Prep the Ingredients: Wash 6 cups of greens. Dry thoroughly using a salad spinner. Core and chop 2 apples into 1-inch pieces. Coarsely chop 1/2 cup walnuts. Thinly slice 1/4 red onion. Measure 1/4 cup cranberries or 1/2 cup bulgur if using.
3. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add greens. Top with apples, walnuts, onion, and optional cranberries or bulgur.
4. Toss and Serve: Drizzle half the dressing over the salad. Toss gently with tongs. Add more dressing if needed. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.

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Tips & Variations

Elevate your salad with these helpful tips and creative twists:

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss apple chunks in 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Keeps them fresh and adds zing.
• Try a Kale Version: Use kale instead of mixed greens. Massage with dressing to soften leaves.
• Make It Keto: Swap maple syrup for a sugar-free sweetener like stevia. Choose low-carb Granny Smith apples.
• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, crumbled goat cheese, or feta for a full meal.
• Store Smart: Prep greens, walnuts, and dressing separately. Store in airtight containers. Chop apples just before serving.
• Swap Nuts: Use pecans for a buttery flavor or almonds for lightness.
• Sweeten Naturally: Replace cranberries with chopped dates for chewy sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for warm fall notes.
• Keep It Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing.
• Experiment with Greens: Try arugula for peppery flavor or romaine for extra crunch.

Nutritional Information

Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one side serving (1/4 of the recipe, about 1.5 cups) of the Apple Walnut Salad.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 14g (includes natural sugars from apples and maple syrup/honey)
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamins and Minerals:
  • Vitamin A: 20% of Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin C: 15% of DV
  • Calcium: 4% of DV
  • Iron: 6% of DV

Notes

• Add-ins Impact: Including dried cranberries (1/4 cup) adds approximately 30g carbs and 25g sugars per serving. Cooked bulgur (1/2 cup) adds about 10g carbs and 2g fiber per serving.
• Keto Adjustment: Using a sugar-free sweetener reduces sugars to ~10g (from apples only). Choose Granny Smith apples for lower carbs (~8g per serving).
• Allergen Info: Contains nuts (walnuts). Nut-free option: swap for seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds).
• Serving Size: Based on 4 side servings. For main dish portions, double the values (serves 2).

Values are calculated using standard nutritional databases for fresh ingredients and assume moderate dressing use (half the vinaigrette recipe). Adjust for larger portions or ingredient substitutions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad in creative ways. Enjoy it as a light lunch. Pair with crusty bread. It fills you up gently.

Make it a festive autumn side. Place it on Thanksgiving tables. It balances heavy dishes. Guests rave about the freshness.

Team it with soups. Tomato bisque complements the acidity. Butternut squash soup echoes fall flavors.

Add to sandwiches. Use leftovers in wraps. It adds crunch.

Picnic perfect. Pack it for outdoor meals. It travels well undressed.

Dinner party star. Serve family-style. Let guests customize.

Brunch option. Top with eggs for protein.

These ideas expand its role. Enjoy in any setting.

This Apple Walnut Salad recipe delivers on promise. It combines ease with elegance. Fresh flavors dominate. Health meets taste. Make it today. Share with loved ones. Fall into deliciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple walnut salad ahead of time?

Yes. Prep components separately for best results. Store dressing in a jar. Keep chopped walnuts in an airtight container. Wash and dry greens. Refrigerate everything. Chop apples just before serving to avoid browning.

What’s the best way to keep apples from turning brown?

Toss chopped apples in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Lemon water works too. This preserves color and adds a subtle brightness.

Can I use a different green, like kale or spinach?

Absolutely. This salad adapts easily. For kale, massage leaves with dressing to soften them. Spinach creates a tender base that pairs well with apples.

Is this salad considered keto-friendly?

It can be. Core ingredients are low-carb. Use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia in the dressing. Choose Granny Smith apples for lower carbs. Monitor portions to fit your macros.

How do I toast walnuts?

Spread walnuts on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor.

Can I add cheese?

Yes. Feta or goat cheese complements the flavors. Blue cheese adds a bold kick.

What if I lack balsamic vinegar?

Use red wine vinegar as a substitute. Adjust sweetness with extra maple syrup or honey if needed.

Is it possible to make this salad nut-free?

Yes. Swap walnuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They maintain the crunch.