Description
Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh and flavorful blend of crisp mixed greens, tart Granny Smith apples, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and sweet dried fruits, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. This salad is quick to prepare and makes a perfect light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped (can also use baby spinach or romaine)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
- ¼ cup pitted dates, chopped (omit for a lower carb option)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or apple jelly (use a sugar free jelly for a lower carb option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine maple syrup (or honey/apple jelly), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk them together until well incorporated and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced Granny Smith apple, chopped dates, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, finely diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for best freshness and crunch.
Notes
- For a lower carb option, omit the dates and use sugar-free apple jelly in the dressing.
- Toast walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant for enhanced flavor.
- Use fresh garlic; if you prefer a milder flavor, mince it finely or substitute with garlic powder (¼ tsp).
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored refrigerated for up to 1 day; add the dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or blue cheese for a different creamy variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
