A fresh, vibrant salad that balances crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and sweet dried cranberries with a smooth maple Dijon vinaigrette. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect as a starter, side, or wholesome lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A refreshing mix of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors
Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Naturally halal-friendly and adaptable to different diets
Elegant enough for gatherings yet simple for everyday meals
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
½ cup walnuts, toasted
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Directions
Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until smooth and well combined.
Arrange the mixed greens in a large salad bowl or serving platter. Evenly layer the apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese over the greens.
Just before serving, drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
No cooking time is required beyond toasting the walnuts if they are not already toasted.
Variations
Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Substitute pears for apples for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Use blue cheese instead of feta or goat cheese for a bolder taste.
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the vinaigrette in a sealed jar and shake well before using. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed immediately and does not reheat well.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all ingredients in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
What apples work best for this salad?
Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala provide the best texture and flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make the vinaigrette sweeter?
You can add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
How do I toast walnuts properly?
Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Can I use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, lemon juice works well as a substitute with a slightly brighter acidity.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I omit the cheese?
Absolutely, the salad is still flavorful without cheese.
What greens work best for this recipe?
Arugula adds a peppery bite, while spinach or spring mix keeps it mild and balanced.
How long does the vinaigrette last?
Stored in the refrigerator, the vinaigrette lasts up to 5 days in a sealed container.
Conclusion
Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together fresh produce and bold flavors in every bite. Whether served as a light meal or a flavorful side, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
A refreshing apple walnut salad featuring crisp greens, sweet-tart apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, all tossed in a tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or light lunch.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
½ cup walnuts, toasted
⅓ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar until fully combined.
Arrange mixed greens in a large salad bowl or on a serving platter.
Top with sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and crumbled cheese.
Drizzle with the maple Dijon vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently to coat.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
Use pears instead of apples for a sweeter twist.
Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
Keep vinaigrette and salad components separate for best storage.
Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a brighter flavor.
