As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, there’s nothing more invigorating than preparing a hearty, fresh salad. This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect addition to your fall menu. Crisp mixed greens combine harmoniously with thinly sliced apples, crunchy walnuts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese or goat cheese, creating a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The pièce de résistance? A luscious homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette that strikes the right balance between sweet and tangy, making every bite an experience of seasonal bliss.
This salad not only pleases the palate but also promotes a healthy lifestyle, packed with vitamins and nutrients. It’s quick to prepare, taking advantage of the best produce fall has to offer. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, this salad is sure to impress. It encapsulates the essence of autumn while being versatile enough to suit various occasions—from casual lunches to elegant dinners. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this salad!
Why You’ll Love This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad
- Flavorful Combination: The sweet apples paired with tangy cranberries and creamy cheese offer a flavor explosion, elevated by the rich maple Dijon vinaigrette.
- Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: This salad is packed with vitamins from fresh greens, antioxidants from apples, and healthy fats from walnuts.
- Quick & Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: Ingredients can be easily modified to cater to personal tastes or dietary needs, making it suitable for everyone.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before creating your Autumn Apple Walnut Salad, take a moment to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized to facilitate a smooth cooking process. You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for slicing the apples and red onion. A medium bowl will work perfectly for mixing your vinaigrette. To toast the walnuts, have a dry skillet handy. Lastly, a large salad bowl is essential for combining all the salad ingredients.
Don’t forget to gather measuring spoons and cups for accurate ingredient measurement. If you have a whisk on hand, it will be very helpful for emulsifying the vinaigrette. Once you have everything together, you’ll be ready to whip up this delightful salad in no time!
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or a blend)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Begin by making the delicious maple Dijon vinaigrette. In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients well, ensuring they emulsify into a creamy mixture. Taste the vinaigrette and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld, or chill it in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
To amplify the flavor of the walnuts, you’ll want to toast them. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts. Stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes, just until they turn golden brown and you begin to smell their nutty aroma. Be cautious not to burn them! Once toasted, transfer the walnuts to a plate to cool.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Next, take your apples and slice them thinly. If you decide to use Granny Smith apples or any other variety prone to browning, you might want to lightly toss the slices in lemon juice to keep their beautiful color intact. This step is optional but highly recommended for aesthetics and freshness.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Gather all your prepared ingredients: mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and cheese (if using). In a large salad bowl, combine all these ingredients. With gentle hands, toss everything together, allowing each component to intermingle without bruising the greens.
Step 5: Dress and Serve
Finally, take the chilled vinaigrette and drizzle it over the assembled salad. Using tongs, toss the salad gently once more, coating the ingredients in the sweet and tangy dressing. Serve the salad right away while it’s fresh and vibrant for the best eating experience!
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a protein boost to make it more filling.
- Vegetables: Consider adding roasted sweet potatoes or thinly sliced carrots for additional flavor and color.
- Spices: Experiment with a dash of cinnamon in the vinaigrette for a warm, spicy note that complements the fall theme.
Cooking Notes
- The salad is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately until ready to eat.
- Feel free to prepare the vinaigrette in advance and refrigerate it; just give it a good whisk before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or turkey for an autumnal main course.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a warm baguette for a complete meal.
Tips
- For an extra crunch, consider adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to the salad.
- Store leftover walnuts separately to keep them crispy and add them to the salad just before serving to maintain their texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve the salad fresh, you can prepare the vinaigrette and toast the walnuts a day in advance. Just keep everything stored separately until it’s time to serve.
What other cheeses can I use in this salad?
Feta and goat cheese are popular choices, but you could also try blue cheese for a stronger flavor or a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the greens may wilt slightly.
Is it suitable for vegans?
You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the cheese and ensuring the vinaigrette is free from honey or other animal products.
Conclusion
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is more than just a side dish – it’s a celebration of fall! The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing presentation that also tastes exquisite. Offering a fantastic blend of sweet and savory, crunchy and soft, this salad is bound to become a staple in your autumn cooking repertoire. We invite you to share your thoughts and any variations you try in the comments below! Enjoy the flavors of the season and keep experimenting with fresh ingredients as the harvest continues!
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Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful combination of fresh greens, apples, walnuts, and a homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or a blend)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by making the delicious maple Dijon vinaigrette. In a small mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients well, ensuring they emulsify into a creamy mixture. Taste the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld, or chill it in the refrigerator.
- To amplify the flavor of the walnuts, you’ll want to toast them. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts, and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes, just until they turn golden brown and you begin to smell their nutty aroma. Be cautious not to burn them! Once toasted, transfer the walnuts to a plate to cool.
- Next, take your apples and slice them thinly. If you decide to use Granny Smith apples or any other variety prone to browning, you might want to lightly toss the slices in lemon juice to keep their beautiful color intact. This step is optional but highly recommended for aesthetics and freshness.
- Gather all your prepared ingredients: mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, and cheese (if using). In a large salad bowl, combine all these ingredients. With gentle hands, toss everything together, allowing each component to intermingle without bruising the greens.
- Finally, take the chilled vinaigrette and drizzle it over the assembled salad. Using tongs, toss the salad gently once more, coating the ingredients in the sweet and tangy dressing. Serve the salad right away while it’s fresh and vibrant for the best eating experience!
Notes
The salad is best served immediately, but if you have leftovers, store the ingredients separately until ready to eat. Feel free to prepare the vinaigrette in advance and refrigerate it; just give it a good whisk before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 6 g