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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!
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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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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