Description
Apple Walnut Salad is a crisp and flavorful salad featuring mixed greens, tart Granny Smith apples, creamy feta cheese, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a sweet and tangy apple cider vinaigrette. This refreshing salad is perfect as a light lunch or a festive side dish, ready in just 15 minutes.
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 walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- Salt & ground black pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or apple jelly (use 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
- Prepare the dressing: Combine maple syrup (or chosen sweetener), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well incorporated and smooth. Set aside.
- Mix the salad ingredients: 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 with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated to your liking.
- Season and serve: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lower carb salad, omit the dates and use a sugar-free apple jelly or no sweetener in the dressing.
- To toast walnuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned.
- If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted if needed.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken or chickpeas if not keeping vegetarian.
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
