Pin It Enjoy a refreshing winter salad featuring crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This dish is perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, bringing together vibrant flavors with minimal effort.
Pin It This easy-to-make salad relies on fresh ingredients like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples and a simple homemade dressing to create a satisfying crunch and a balanced taste profile.
Ingredients
- 2 large crisp apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
- 1 small celery stalk, thinly sliced
- 50 g mixed salad greens (e.g., arugula, baby spinach)
- 80 g walnuts, roughly chopped
- 60 g crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2
- In a large salad bowl, combine sliced apples, celery, salad greens, and walnuts.
- Step 3
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4
- Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top, if using.
- Step 5
- Serve immediately for maximum crispness.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an enhanced flavor profile, toast the walnuts in a dry pan until they are fragrant before adding them to the salad.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can substitute pears for the apples to vary the taste. For a more festive appearance, add a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this salad immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the fruit and greens. It pairs excellently with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.
Pin It With only 230 calories per serving, this Apple and Walnut Salad is a healthy and light way to enjoy fresh seasonal produce.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare this apple walnut salad ahead of time?
Prepare the vinaigrette up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated. Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with lemon juice if prepping earlier. Assemble everything within 30 minutes of serving for optimal crispness.
- → What apple varieties work best for this salad?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith provide excellent crunch and tart balance. Fuji or Gala offer sweetness while maintaining texture. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious or McIntosh which can become mealy when sliced.
- → How do I toast walnuts properly?
Spread walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, shaking halfway through. Watch closely as they burn quickly. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the blue cheese or feta entirely. The salad remains flavorful and satisfying without cheese. For extra creaminess without dairy, consider adding sliced avocado or a dollop of coconut yogurt.
- → What other fruits pair well with walnuts in this salad?
Fresh pears make an excellent substitution for apples. For seasonal variations, try sliced persimmons in fall, segmented blood oranges in winter, or fresh strawberries in spring. Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries also complement walnuts beautifully.
- → How can I add more protein to this salad?
Top with grilled chicken breast, crispy pancetta bits, or hard-boiled eggs. For plant-based protein, add quinoa, chickpeas, or hemp seeds. These additions transform the dish from a light side into a satisfying main course.