Description
Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh and flavorful combination of mixed greens, tart Granny Smith apples, toasted walnuts, creamy feta cheese, and sweet dried fruits, all tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. This salad is crisp, nutritious, and perfect for a light lunch or a festive side dish, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped (or baby spinach or romaine)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
- ¼ cup pitted dates, chopped (omit for 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 and ground black pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or apple jelly (use sugar-free jelly for 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: In a bowl, combine maple syrup (or honey/apple jelly), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well incorporated and smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced Granny Smith apple, chopped dates, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, finely diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly until all the components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and serve: Taste the salad and add salt and ground black pepper as needed. Toss lightly again and serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a lower-carb alternative, omit dates and use a sugar-free apple jelly in the dressing.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor before chopping.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Use fresh garlic or substitute with garlic powder for a milder flavor.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish to make a complete meal.
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
