10-Minute Apple Walnut Salad
This apple walnut salad brings together the best of the fall harvest season! Pair it with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh side dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors.
Equipment
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mason jar
- Measuring spoons
- Large serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups walnut halves (raw)
- 8 cups mixed greens or lettuce
- 2 small apples (cored and thinly sliced)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ - ⅔ cup crumbled vegan feta cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon smooth Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and add the walnuts to a baking sheet. Toast them for 5-10 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens followed by the apple slices, onion slices, feta, and dried cranberries. When the walnuts have cooled, add them as well.
- In a mason jar or container, add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil while whisking constantly until emulsified. If you’re using a mason jar, shake it vigorously.
- Drizzle your apple walnut salad with the balsamic vinaigrette and serve immediately. You can also serve the dressing on an individual basis. Happy eating!
Video
Notes
- Prevent browning: If you’re slicing the apples ahead of time, you can toss them in a touch of lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Soak the onions: If the onions are too pungent for your liking, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their sharpness.
- Toast the nuts: Toasting nuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. We don’t recommend skipping this step!
- Toss just before serving: Always toss your apple walnut salad with dressing just before you’re ready to serve it to prevent a soggy lettuce texture.
- Use a variety of ingredients: Mix and match ingredients based on what’s seasonal.
- Chill the salad: For a refreshing taste, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 475.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 38.7g | Protein: 6.9g | Fat: 35.2g | Saturated Fat: 6.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17.7g | Cholesterol: 16.7mg | Sodium: 420.1mg | Potassium: 436.3mg | Fiber: 6.2g | Sugar: 28.5g | Vitamin A: 859.9IU | Vitamin C: 9.7mg | Calcium: 156.9mg | Iron: 1.6mg
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