Description
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a delightful blend of fresh greens, apples, and walnuts, dressed with a sweet and tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or blend)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This vinaigrette serves as the flavor booster for our salad, offering a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste for added flavor depth.
- Next, grab a dry skillet and place it over medium heat to toast the walnuts. Spread the walnuts evenly in the skillet and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, stirring occasionally, until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Toasting the walnuts not only brings out their nutty flavor but also adds a crunch that pairs beautifully with the salad elements.
- While the walnuts are toasting, prepare your apples by thinly slicing them. If you prefer, toss the apple slices in a bit of lemon juice immediately after slicing; this will not only add a zesty flavor but also prevent them from turning brown. Using crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp will ensure that your salad remains fresh and crunchy.
- Now it’s time for the fun part—bringing everything together! In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion slices. If you’re a fan of cheese, feel free to fold in the crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. Toss the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring that every piece is evenly distributed.
- Drizzle the prepared Maple Dijon Vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Be generous with the dressing, but remember, you can always add more later if necessary. Toss everything together gently to coat the salad evenly with the vinaigrette. Take care not to bruise the greens or apples while mixing.
- Once everything is combined and well-dressed, plate your salad immediately. This ensures that the textures remain crisp and fresh, offering the best possible experience. The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas will make this salad a hit at any table!
Notes
Consider tasting the vinaigrette before dressing the salad to ensure it meets your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 6 g