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homemade salad dressing

Apple Walnut Salad Recipe

This Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh, colourful and delicious combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, creamy blue cheese, sweet dried cranberries and leafy greens, finished with a tangy homemade balsamic dressing. It is quick, easy, and perfect as a healthy side dish or light lunch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Course Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 People
Calories 338 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Sharp Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Large Salad Bowl –
  • 1 Small Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Salad Servers:
  • 1 Dry Frying Pan-

Ingredients
  

For The Salad

  • 9 cups mixed salad greens
  • 3 medium apples
  • ¾ cup walnuts
  • ¾ cup blue cheese
  • ⅜ cup dried cranberries

For the Balsamic Dressing

  • 4½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1½ teaspoons honey
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Greens

  • Rinse the salad greens thoroughly under cool running water.
  • Remove any damaged leaves or tough stems.
  • Dry the greens thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.
  • Place the dry greens into a large salad bowl.
  • Keeping the leaves dry is important because excess water can dilute the dressing and make the finished Apple Walnut Salad less flavourful.

Step 2: Slice the Apples

  • Wash the apples thoroughly.
  • Remove the cores and seeds.
  • Slice the apples into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces.
  • Leave the skin on for extra colour, texture and fibre if desired.
  • If preparing the apples several minutes ahead, toss them with a small amount of lemon juice to reduce browning.
  • Crisp Honeycrisp and tart Granny Smith apples work particularly well, although Fuji, Pink Lady and Gala are also suitable.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

  • Place the chopped walnuts in a dry frying pan.
  • Heat over medium heat for approximately 2–4 minutes.
  • Stir frequently so they toast evenly without burning.
  • Remove them from the pan as soon as they become fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Allow them to cool for a few minutes before adding them to the Apple Walnut Salad.
  • Toasting is optional, but it intensifies the walnuts' natural nuttiness and creates a more satisfying crunch.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

  • Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard and honey to a small bowl.
  • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Whisk vigorously until the dressing becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Taste and adjust the flavour if necessary.
  • Add a little more honey for sweetness or balsamic vinegar for additional tang.
  • A well-balanced dressing helps bring all the flavours of this Walnut Salad together.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

  • Add the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and dried cranberries to the greens.
  • Pour the dressing gradually over the ingredients rather than adding it all at once.
  • Use salad servers to fold everything together gently.
  • Toss until the dressing lightly coats the greens, apples and toppings.
  • Avoid aggressive mixing so the apples and cheese retain their shape.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

  • Transfer the finished Apple Walnut Salad to a large shallow serving bowl or platter.
  • Arrange a few apple slices, walnuts and cranberries on top for an attractive finish.
  • Serve immediately while the greens are crisp.
  • For a complete meal, serve with grilled chicken, salmon, tofu or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • 🍎 Choose Crisp Apples: Use firm, fresh apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to give the salad a delicious crunch and prevent sogginess.
  • 🌰 Toast The Walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts for 2–4 minutes to enhance their nutty flavour and add extra crunch.
  • 🥬 Keep Greens Dry: Wash and dry the salad leaves thoroughly so the dressing coats them properly without becoming watery.
  • 🧀 Balance The Cheese: Blue cheese adds a rich, tangy flavour, but you can substitute feta or goat cheese for a milder taste.
  • 🍯 Taste The Dressing: Adjust the honey, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper until the dressing has the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
  • 🥗 Dress Before Serving: Add the dressing just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
  • 🍒 Add Cranberries Last: Scatter the dried cranberries over the salad during assembly for attractive colour and evenly distributed sweetness.
  • 🍋 Prevent Apple Browning: Toss sliced apples with a little lemon juice if you are preparing them ahead of time.
  • 🥄 Toss Gently: Fold the ingredients together carefully to protect the delicate greens, apple slices and cheese.
  • 🍽️ Serve Fresh: For the best texture and flavour, serve the Apple Walnut Salad immediately after dressing.
Keyword Apple Walnut Salad