Apple and Walnut Salad (Printable)

Crisp apples and crunchy walnuts tossed with tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing winter salad ready in 15 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
02 - 1 small celery stalk, thinly sliced
03 - 2 ounces mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach)

→ Nuts

04 - 3 ounces walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Cheese (optional)

05 - 2 ounces crumbled blue cheese or feta (omit for dairy-free)

→ Dressing

06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified and smooth.
02 - Place sliced apples, celery, mixed salad greens, and chopped walnuts in a large salad bowl.
03 - Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or feta over the top if desired, then serve immediately while ingredients remain crisp.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro
  • The texture contrast between crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tender greens is absolutely addictive
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what's in your crisper drawer
02 -
  • Dressed apples will brown slightly over time, so always toss this salad right before serving
  • Toasting your walnuts in a dry pan for three minutes transforms this salad completely
  • The dressing recipe makes more than you need, and it keeps beautifully in the fridge for a week
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons of cheese instead of crumbling it for elegant presentation
  • Grind fresh pepper directly over the salad at the end for aromatic sparks of flavor
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