Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is an irresistible combination of crisp apples, nutty toasted walnuts, vibrant greens, and a tangy-sweet homemade dressing. This salad celebrates freshness and crunch in every bite, balanced by creamy cheese and chewy cranberries. Whether you’re looking for a lively starter or a light lunch that doesn’t skimp on flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so satisfying about simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Every component in this salad has a purpose—from color and crunch to tang and sweetness—which is what makes Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette a classic favorite.
- Mixed greens: Arugula, spinach, or spring mix forms the fresh, crisp base of the salad and pairs beautifully with sweet-tart additions.
- Apples: Honeycrisp or Gala apples add juicy crunch and a hint of natural sweetness—slice them thin for perfect forkfuls.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring irresistible nuttiness and a satisfying snap to every bite—don’t skip this step!
- Dried cranberries: With a pop of color and a chewy, tart twist, these little gems brighten the flavor profile.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese: A sprinkle of creamy, salty cheese makes the salad extra luscious—choose whichever you love more.
- Olive oil: Forms the silky, rich backbone of the vinaigrette for just the right mouthfeel.
- Apple cider vinegar: Delivers zesty brightness that balances the maple syrup and brings out the apple flavor.
- Maple syrup: Adds warmth and a touch of earthy sweetness to the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette.
- Dijon mustard: Essential for a subtle kick and emulsifying the dressing so it coats the salad perfectly.
- Salt & black pepper: Adjust for seasoning and to bring all the flavors together in harmony.
How to Make Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Step 1: Make the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Start by whisking up your vinaigrette—this is where the magic begins for Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Whisk until everything is beautifully blended and slightly thickened; this ensures that every leaf gets dressed with tangy-sweet goodness.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
For unbeatable depth of flavor, take an extra minute to toast your walnuts. Simply spread them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they’re golden and fragrant. This step turns walnuts into crunchy, flavor-packed bites that elevate the whole salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
Select a large salad bowl or serving platter and lay down your bed of mixed greens. Scatter the thin apple slices over the greens, fanning them out for a pretty presentation. Even distribution ensures you get apples in every bite.
Step 4: Layer on the Goodness
Add the toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and your choice of crumbled feta or goat cheese over the greens and apples. Each layer adds its own character, making the salad truly special both in taste and appearance.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Just before serving, drizzle the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette generously over the salad. Toss everything gently so the dressing lightly coats all the ingredients but doesn’t weigh down the greens. Serve right away for maximum freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Garnishes
Finish your Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette with a sprinkle of extra feta or goat cheese and a final scattering of toasted walnuts. For a pop of color, a handful of fresh pomegranate seeds or a touch of freshly ground black pepper on top makes it truly stunning.
Side Dishes
This salad is fantastic alongside a hearty soup, a bowl of butternut squash soup, or with a crusty artisan bread. If you’re making a larger meal, it works as a vibrant contrast to roasted chicken or grilled salmon, rounding out your menu with fresh, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette in individual mason jars for a picnic, or plate it on a large wooden board for a casual, family-style effect. For dinner parties, roll the salad in endive leaves or arrange it in apple “boats” for a fun appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately. Place any undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to two days. The vinaigrette can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to a week; just whisk it again before using.
Freezing
While it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can freeze the vinaigrette if needed—simply thaw and whisk until smooth before drizzling. However, the delicate greens, apples, and cheese do not freeze well and are best served straight from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no reheating required for Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette. If your salad has been chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to bring out the brightness of the flavors, especially in the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or slivered almonds make delicious alternatives to walnuts. Just remember to toast them for that essential crunch and nuttiness in your Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette.
What apple varieties work best?
Honeycrisp and Gala apples are favorites for their sweetness and crunch, but feel free to use Granny Smith for a tart kick or Fuji for extra juiciness. Mixing types can give you an even more memorable flavor.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Definitely! Simply leave out the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients in Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette are naturally vegan.
Is there a substitute for maple syrup in the vinaigrette?
If you don’t have maple syrup, try honey or agave nectar for a similar texture and sweetness. Each will bring its own unique accent to the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette.
How can I jazz up the salad for a main course?
Turn your Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or cooked quinoa. It’s easy to make this fresh salad the star of your table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a salad that’s equally stunning and satisfying, give Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette a try. Its layers of flavor and easy prep make it perfect for everyday lunches or special gatherings—go ahead and make it your new kitchen favorite!
