Apple Walnut Salad
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.My Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful blend of crisp greens, tart apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. Fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for holiday meals or a quick, light lunch!
Apples are available year-round, but I always get excited when apple season rolls around in late summer and fall. There’s just something special about using freshly picked apples in my recipes this time of year, it makes everything taste even better! If you’re looking for more seasonal inspiration, you’ve got to try my pumpkin apple pie, it’s the ultimate fall dessert!
I made this salad with you in mind, because I know how much you appreciate wholesome meals that don’t skimp on flavor or presentation. It’s one of my personal favorites, and I can’t wait to share why I love it so much, I know it’ll become a favorite of yours too!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
What I love about my apple walnut salad is how effortlessly it fits into any occasion. In just 15 minutes, it goes from a fresh and vibrant lunch to a star-worthy addition to a holiday feast delicious, versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser.
This salad reminds me why I love simple recipes that deliver big results. It’s the kind of dish that feels versatile and approachable, perfect for anyone who loves wholesome food without too much fuss. Unlike salads that are either too plain or overly complicated, this one strikes the perfect balance. It’s not just another leafy green dish; it’s a colorful, satisfying bowl of sweet and savory flavors that’s hearty enough to stand out at any gathering.
My little ones love the sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts, and my friends always rave about how the tangy vinaigrette brings it all together. Don’t just take my word for it, my apple walnut salad is very popular, and my readers can’t stop raving about it! Here’s what Sara Welch had to say: “This was everything a gourmet salad should be, and then some! Loved all the balance of flavor and texture; easily, a new favorite salad recipe!“
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🥘 Ingredients
I love how refreshing and crunchy my apple walnut salad is! It’s a mix of simple key ingredients like leafy greens, crisp apples, creamy feta cheese, and a tangy homemade apple dressing.
For Salad
Mixed Greens: I love starting with vibrant, nutrient-packed mixed greens, they’re the perfect fresh base for this salad. Roughly chopping them adds great texture!
Green Apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their crisp bite and tart flavor. They bring a bright, refreshing taste to every bite.
Walnuts: toasted walnut halves add the perfect crunch and a deep, nutty flavor. I make sure to chop them so every bite has a little walnut goodness.
Dried Cranberries: These add just the right touch of sweet and tangy flavor. Plus, I love how their rich red color brightens up the salad.
Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy feta ties everything together beautifully. It’s the perfect balance to the sweetness of the apples and cranberries!
For Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Apple Jelly: I love using apple jelly for a sweet touch that complements the dressing’s fruity flavors. Maple syrup or vegan honey works just as well for a natural, delicious sweetness!
Apple Cider Vinegar: A splash of apple cider vinegar adds tangy brightness. It’s the perfect match for a fruity salad like this one.
Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and helps thicken the dressing. It’s my little secret for extra flavor!
Cayenne Pepper: A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper adds a gentle heat that balances the sweetness. I skip it when I’m making this for sensitive palates!
🍲Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor, but you can use any variety you like. Choose your favorite for a personal touch!
Nuts: Toasted walnuts are my go-to, but candied walnuts, slivered almonds, or pecans would be just as tasty. They all add that perfect crunch.
Cheese: Feta is my favorite here, but soft cheeses like goat cheese, brie, or even blue cheese work beautifully. Each adds its own unique flavor.
Dates: If you don’t have dates, regular or golden raisins are a great substitute. They bring the same chewy sweetness to the salad.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds the perfect tang, but lemon juice works well in a pinch. It’s a simple swap that keeps the flavors bright.
🔪 How to Make
When I’m in the kitchen creating this apple walnut salad, I always think about how much joy it brings to my table. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients, make it your own. You can check out my step-by-step instructions to see exactly how I prepare it.
Whisk the Apple Dressing: In a small bowl, I combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth and well blended. Then, I set it aside to let the flavors come together.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, I toss together the mixed greens, sliced apples, dates, cranberries, walnuts, onion, and crumbled feta. It’s already looking so fresh and colorful!
Dress the Salad: I drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Then, I finish it off with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: I like to serve this green apple walnut salad right away while it’s fresh and crisp. It’s perfect for any meal and always a crowd-pleaser!
There’s always that one guest who asks for a fresh green salad, right? My apple walnut salad never disappoints, and this year, it’s definitely making an appearance on my Christmas table!
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip to make the best apple walnut salad is to toast the walnuts for a rich, nutty flavor and perfect crunch. I spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, watching closely. For a quicker option, I use a skillet on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. This simple step makes the salad unforgettable!
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Wash and Dry Greens: I always wash my greens in cool water and pat them dry with a tea towel or salad spinner. Clean, dry greens taste fresher and help the dressing stick better.
- Reserve Some of the Dressing: I like to keep a little dressing on the side so guests can adjust to their taste. It’s a simple way to make the salad feel more personal.
- Make It Seasonal: This salad pairs beautifully with seasonal veggies! I switch up the greens or add roasted vegetables to keep it fresh and perfect for any time of year.
📖 Variations
I love how versatile this apple walnut salad is, it’s already delicious, but you can always mix things up! Here are a few of my favorite variations.
Lower-Carb Option: I skip the dates and use sugar-free apple jelly or maple syrup for a lighter version. It’s just as delicious and perfect for cutting back on carbs!
Apple Walnut Coleslaw: I love swapping mixed greens for shredded cabbage or a coleslaw blend. It adds a satisfying crunch and makes a great potluck dish.
Extra Crunchy: Adding 2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds is my favorite way to give the salad an extra layer of texture. It’s simple but makes a big difference.
Extra Colorful: I like tossing in sliced radishes, carrots, and green onions for a pop of color. It’s an easy way to make the salad even more vibrant and veggie-packed!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair my apple walnut salad with a cozy bowl of soup or a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few more great ways to serve it:
Mains: I love pairing this salad with a hearty vegan meatloaf, it’s fresh and tangy and balances the savory loaf perfectly. For something lighter, I like to serve it alongside a healthy gnocchi dish. The crisp greens and comforting pasta make a great combo.
Holidays: This salad is a favorite on my holiday table with a vegan turkey roast. The sweet and savory flavors go so well together! I also love serving it with a vegan wellington. The fresh, vibrant salad is the perfect side to the rich and flaky dish.
Entree Soups: This salad is amazing with a creamy mushroom soup without cream. Together, they make a light and satisfying meal. On cooler days, I pair it with a cozy pumpkin and sweet potato soup. The warm soup and crisp salad are such a comforting combination!
🫙 Storage Directions
In The Fridge: I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since greens wilt quickly after being dressed, I like to toss the dressing with everything except the greens and cheese if I’m planning to save some for later. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I just add the fresh greens and cheese, then toss everything together. Pro tip: adding the dressing to the apples ahead of time helps slow down browning. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, it just doesn’t defrost well!
❓ Recipe FAQs
What is the best apple to use in a salad?
For salads, I always go for a nice crunchy apple that stays fresh and doesn’t brown too quickly after slicing. I love using Granny Smith apples for this salad, they’re crisp, tart, and perfect! If you want to switch it up, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples work just as well.
Are walnuts good on salads?
Yes! As a nutritionist, I always recommend walnuts for salads because they provide a great crunch without being too firm, making them ideal for texture balance. Toasting them in the oven not only enhances their flavor but also brings out their natural oils, adding a boost of healthy fats and nutrients to your meal!
How do you keep cut apples from turning brown in salads?
The best way I’ve found to keep apples from turning brown is to soak them in a quick saltwater solution (1/2 tsp salt + 1 cup of water) for a few minutes before adding them to the salad. Another great trick is tossing the apples with a dressing that includes lemon juice, it keeps them fresh and bright!
🥗 More Delicious Salads!
- Tomato Avocado Cucumber Salad
- Keto Greek Salad
- Roasted Pumpkin Salad
- Beetroot and Feta Salad
- Chick-Fil-A Kale Salad
- Arugula And Spinach Salad
Love this vegetarian salad recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page!
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🎥 Watch How to Make It
Apple Walnut Salad
My Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful blend of crisp greens, tart apples, creamy feta, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. Fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for holiday meals or a quick, light lunch!
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 235kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped can also use baby spinach or romaine
- 1 Granny Smith apple cored and sliced
- ¼ cup pitted dates chopped (omit for a lower carb option)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts toasted and chopped
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- 2 oz. feta cheese crumbled
- salt & ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or apple jelly (use a sugar free jelly for a lower carb option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine maple syrup through to cayenne pepper in a bowl and whisk until well incorporated, this will become your salad dressing. Set aside.
- Combine mixed salad greens, apples, dates, cranberries, walnuts, onion and feta in large bowl.
- Toss with dressing until coated as desired.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- I toast the walnuts for a rich, nutty flavor and perfect crunch. I spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 7-9 minutes, watching closely. For a quicker option, I use a skillet on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often. This simple step makes the salad unforgettable!
- I always wash my greens in cool water and pat them dry with a tea towel or salad spinner. Clean, dry greens taste fresher and help the dressing stick better.
- I like to keep a little dressing on the side so guests can adjust to their taste. It’s a simple way to make the salad feel more personal.
- This salad pairs beautifully with seasonal veggies! I switch up the greens or add roasted vegetables to keep it fresh and perfect for any time of year.
Nutrition
Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 20g
Apples, walnuts, and feta make the BEST combination. My hubby has an intolerance to apples and I sub in pears — it’s just as delicious!
Oooh yes! Pears would also taste great in this salad! Hope you and your husband love it!
I usually use apples and walnuts for baking. Now I can make an easy refreshing salad. Serving this again on Sunday.
Thanks Gianne! 🙂
This was everything a gourmet salad should be, and then some! Loved all the balance of flavor and texture; easily, a new favorite salad recipe!
Aw yay! So happy to hear that Sara! 🙂
This salad is so perfect for the fall season! 🙂 It is absolutely gorgeous too.
Thanks Carrie! I’m sure you will love it!
I absolutely loved all the fresh flavors of this salad. So good! I’ll definitely make this one again.
Yay! So happy to hear that Kristine!
Lovely salad, fresh-tasting, great combination of flavors!
Awesome!! Thanks Rose! Glad you liked it! 🙂
I love a good salad with apples, especially in the fall and winter! I often add Pecorino or Manchego, but my husband adores brie, so this is a great way to change it up and spread the love around! 🙂
Love the idea of adding pecorino to this dish as a way to change things up instead of the brie! I bet that would taste great too! 🙂
This salad has some of my favorite fall ingredients! Apples, brie, and walnuts. Can’t go wrong with this combination!
Yay so happy to hear that Jamie!! 🙂
I’m a HUGE fan of brie, but never actually thought to put it into a salad. Paired with apples and dates, this sounds like a salad I could eat every day and not grow tired of it.
Totally!! It’s a regular at our dinner table, especially in the fall and winter! 🙂
This is a celebration of all thing apples in one delicious dish. Apple slices, apple jelly, and apple cider vinegar. And it matches well with the brie and walnuts! 🙂
Haha that is a great description of this recipe Anita!! Thanks so much! 🙂
I love apple in salads like this, but I have never thought to include dates. I am loving this idea – will definitely do that next time.
Yay!! I’m sure you will love it Erica!!
This looks delicious, Anjali. It’s also a bright, beautiful option to encourage kids to eat salads!
Thank you so much Julie! And yes I totally agree – my kids love all of the fun ingredients in this salad! 🙂
Going to have to try this, I love apple in salads and feta is delicious. I also favour baby spinach in my salads but the mixed greens sounds lovely.
Thanks Alice! I’m sure you will love this recipe (it will work with either spinach or cabbage!)
The salad looks so yummy, Anjali! I enjoyed surfing through your blog! Cheers!
Thanks so much Hadia!! I’m sure you’ll love this when you try it!