Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Honeydijon Vinaigrette

Ready for the Best Apple Walnut Salad Ever?
Fancy a taste of autumn? Do you love a good salad? I know I do. This Apple Walnut Salad is the business.
Think crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet tangy dressing. It’s like sunshine on a plate. Honestly, this has become my go to Fall Salad Ideas , and it could be yours too.
What's the Story Behind This Salad Apple Walnut?
This salad isn't just some random mix of ingredients. Apple Walnut Salad represents the best of autumn's harvest. Its origin is probably some clever home cook wanting to use up their apples and nuts.
I reckon it is a true celebration of Autumn Salad Recipes . It's easy to make and only takes about 20 minutes.
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Why You'll Fall in Love With this Healthy Salad With Apples And Nuts
This salad is not only tasty but also pretty good for you. Apples are full of fibre. Walnuts are packed with healthy fats.
This Easy Apple Walnut Salad is ideal for a light lunch. It’s also perfect as a side for your Thanksgiving dinner.
It is the perfect Thanksgiving Salad Recipes . What makes it special is that it marries sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavours perfectly.
It's also super versatile.
Get Your Ingredients Ready!
Time to raid your cupboards and fridge. Let's get this Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad show on the road. You'll need: salad greens, apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, cheese, and celery.
For the dressing, grab olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Time to Gather Your Bits and Bobs: Ingredients & Equipment
Right, so you fancy making my Apple Walnut Salad ? Ace choice! It's easier than putting the kettle on, honestly.
This Easy Apple Walnut Salad is all about fresh ingredients. We are going to turn these ingredients into a Healthy Salad With Apples And Nuts ! Let's get cracking with what you'll need.
Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter
Here’s what you'll need to conjure up this delightful Fall Salad Ideas :
- Mixed Salad Greens: 5 oz (140g) . Go for a spring mix or baby spinach. Anything goes, really!
- Apples: 2 medium (Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji). Dice them up nicely.
- Walnuts: ½ cup (50g) . Roughly chopped, because who's got time for perfection?
- Dried Cranberries: ¼ cup (40g) . Adds a lovely bit of sweetness and chewiness.
- Gorgonzola or Blue Cheese (optional): ¼ cup (60g) . If you're feeling fancy.
- Celery: 2 stalks . Finely chopped. It gives a real crunch.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons (45ml) . It needs to be extra virgin, mind.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . The Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad needs some tang!
- Honey: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Local honey is best.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Adds a bit of a kick.
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon . Don't be shy with it!
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground, if you've got it.
For the apples, you want them to be firm and crisp. A bruised apple isn’t going to cut it in this Autumn Salad Recipes . Trust me!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
Let’s talk flavors. The honey and Dijon combo is magic. It’s a classic Apple Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing for a reason! If you're out of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar will do in a pinch.
Salt and pepper? Essential!
Equipment Needed: Simple as Pie
Here’s what you need to whip this up:
- A big bowl.
- A smaller bowl or jar for the dressing.
- A whisk.
- A skillet or frying pan.
- Cutting board and a knife.
If you haven't got a whisk, a fork will do. A Walnut Salad Recipes should not take too long! See, nothing too fancy.
It's all about keeping things simple. Right then, let's get to the fun part! This would be a great Thanksgiving Salad Recipes .
Creating the Ultimate Autumn Apple Walnut Salad
Oh my gosh, get ready for the Easy Apple Walnut Salad . Seriously, this is not just any old salad, my friend.
This is autumn on a plate. Think crunchy, sweet, tangy, and utterly delicious. We're talking about the kind of Fall Salad Ideas that makes you want to curl up with a good book and a cup of tea.
Honestly, I could eat this every day.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place : First things first, let’s get organised. Chop your celery, dice the apples, and measure out those cranberries.
Everything in its place! Time saving organization tips: Toast the walnuts ahead of time to save a bit of faff when assembling.
You know? Chop the apples just before so they don’t go brown. Safety reminders: Mind your fingers when chopping those apples!
step-by-step to Salad Glory
- Toast the Walnuts: Pop your chopped walnuts into a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3- 5 minutes , shaking them occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Watch them like a hawk, we don’t want burnt offerings.
- Whip up the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Whisk like you mean it.
- Assemble the Troops: In a big bowl, chuck in 5 oz of mixed greens, 2 medium diced apples, the toasted walnuts, ¼ cup of dried cranberries, celery and ¼ cup of crumbled gorgonzola (if you’re feeling fancy). This combo is amazing.
- Dress to Impress: Pour that gorgeous Honey Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently. Don't drown it, just coat it lightly.
Pro Tips for Salad Perfection
- Toasting is Key : Don't skip toasting the walnuts . It intensifies their flavour. Trust me.
- Dress Right Before Serving : Nobody wants a soggy salad. Dress it just before you’re ready to eat.
- This is one of the most requested Thanksgiving Salad Recipes in my household.
This Healthy Salad With Apples And Nuts it's so easy to make, I promise you'll have this Apple Walnut Salad on repeat all autumn! This Salad Apple Walnut hits all the right notes and this is a great Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad .
Grab your ingredients and give this Autumn Salad Recipes a whirl! You'll be so glad you did. Give it a try, its a great Walnut Salad Recipes to have.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Apple Walnut Salad
This Apple Walnut Salad is more than just a salad. It's a celebration of autumn ! It's got crunch, sweetness, and a zingy dressing.
Think Sunday roast, but lighter. So grab your apron and let's get started!
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Honestly, presentation is key. For the Easy Apple Walnut Salad , pile it high on a pretty plate. Garnish with extra walnuts.
A sprig of thyme adds a fancy touch. Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Consider serving individual portions in small bowls. This way it looks elegant and keeps things tidy. You know? Like a proper Thanksgiving Salad Recipe .
I once served this at a dinner party, and people went wild!
What Goes Well with the Salad?
The perfect sides make everything better. This Healthy Salad With Apples And Nuts pairs well with grilled cheese and tomato soup.
It’s also lovely with roasted chicken or pork. A crisp Pinot Grigio is a cracking choice too. Cheers!
Storing Your Salad
Okay, soggy salad is a no-no. Dress your Apple Walnut Salad just before serving. If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad in an airtight container. Keep the vinaigrette separate.
- Refrigerate the salad for up to 2 days .
- I don't recommend freezing this one. The apples get weird.
Variations on a Theme: Adaptations and Swaps
Fancy a twist? Try a Chicken Apple Walnut Salad by adding grilled chicken. It transforms this into a full meal.
For a vegan option, skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey.
What about a Pear and Pecan Salad ? Swap the apples for pears. Pecans replace the walnuts. Another yummy Fall Salad Idea ! If you don't have Apple Cider Vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar.
The Lowdown on Nutrition
This Salad Apple Walnut is full of goodness. It has fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins. Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Calories: Around 350 per serving.
- It's packed with antioxidants from the apples.
- Walnuts are great for your brain.
This Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad is a treat for your taste buds. It's also good for you!
Final Thoughts and Encouragement
So there you have it. The Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Honey Dijon Vinaigrette . Give it a go. It’s easier than doing the washing up! I know you'll smash it.
Enjoy, my friend!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Apple Walnut Salad ahead of time?
While the individual components of the Apple Walnut Salad can be prepped in advance, it's best to assemble and dress the salad right before serving. This prevents the greens from getting soggy and the apples from browning.
You can toast the walnuts, chop the apples, whisk the vinaigrette, and store them separately until you're ready to eat. Just give it a good toss right before you serve it up!
What are some good apple varieties to use in this Autumn Apple Walnut Salad?
The best apples for Apple Walnut Salad are ones that are crisp and slightly tart. Gala, Honeycrisp, and Fuji apples are all excellent choices. They hold their shape well and provide a lovely sweetness that complements the walnuts and vinaigrette.
A Granny Smith or Pink Lady will also give you a good tartness to balance out the flavors.
I'm not a fan of blue cheese; can I substitute it in the Apple Walnut Salad?
Absolutely! If you're not keen on blue cheese, there are plenty of substitutes that will work beautifully in this Apple Walnut Salad. Crumbled feta or goat cheese are both great options that offer a tangy flavour. You could also omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version.
It's your salad, after all make it how you like it!
How long will leftover Apple Walnut Salad last?
Unfortunately, dressed Apple Walnut Salad doesn't keep very well, as the greens will become soggy. It's best to eat it immediately after dressing. However, if you have undressed salad leftover, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Just remember to keep that dressing separate until you're ready to tuck in!
Is there a way to make this Apple Walnut Salad vegan?
Yes, it's easy to make this Apple Walnut Salad vegan! Simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. For the vinaigrette, use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey. Double check your Dijon mustard, but most brands are vegan. Now you can enjoy a tasty vegan salad fit for a King or Queen!
Can I add protein to this Apple Walnut Salad to make it a main course?
Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to turn this Apple Walnut Salad into a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even chickpeas are all excellent options. Consider adding some quinoa or lentils for a vegan friendly boost. This makes it a perfect, light lunch or dinner option.
Autumn Apple Walnut Salad With Honeydijon Vinaig

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |