Description

This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant fall-inspired salad featuring crisp mixed greens, sweet-tart apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a perfectly balanced maple Dijon dressing. It’s a delightful dish that combines textures and flavors ideal for a light lunch or a festive side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your preferred mix)
2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Toast the walnuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool to preserve their crunch.
Slice the apples: Thinly slice the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices. Optionally, toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them looking fresh.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for added creaminess.
Toss with vinaigrette: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Gently toss using tongs or large spoons to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Enjoy immediately to maintain the crispness and freshness of all components.

Notes

To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
Walnuts can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to save preparation time.
The vinaigrette can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by varying maple syrup and vinegar quantities.
For a vegan version, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
This salad is best served fresh to maintain texture and flavor.