Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A Crisp, Sweet, and Savory Delight
This Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect balance of crisp, sweet, and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for any season. Fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing create a refreshing dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this salad delivers on taste and texture.
The combination of juicy apples and toasted walnuts adds a delightful crunch, while the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette ties everything together with its rich, slightly sweet, and tangy profile. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free option for health-conscious eaters. Plus, it’s quick to prepare—no cooking required—so you can enjoy a gourmet-quality dish in just 15 minutes.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect harmony of sweet apples, earthy walnuts, and a tangy-sweet vinaigrette with hints of maple and Dijon mustard.
- Texture: Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tender greens create a satisfying contrast in every bite.
- Aroma: Fresh apple sweetness mingles with the nutty aroma of toasted walnuts and the zesty scent of Dijon mustard.
- Visual Appeal: Vibrant green salad leaves, ruby-red apple slices, and golden-brown walnuts make for an eye-catching presentation.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly—no cooking required, just chopping and whisking.
- Special Equipment: A good knife, mixing bowls, and a whisk (or a jar for shaking the dressing).
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This salad is incredibly easy to make, requiring only basic chopping and mixing skills. Even novice cooks can achieve perfect results.
- Category: Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution. It’s versatile enough for any meal.
- Cuisine: A modern American salad with influences from classic Waldorf salad and French vinaigrette traditions.
- Cost: Budget-friendly—uses simple, seasonal ingredients that are easy to find.
- Season: Best enjoyed in fall when apples are at their peak, but works year-round with seasonal apple varieties.
- Occasion: Great for casual lunches, holiday gatherings, or as a refreshing side for grilled meats.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taste and Texture Appeal: The Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette offers a symphony of flavors—crisp, sweet apples, rich toasted walnuts, and a tangy-sweet dressing that ties it all together. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making it as enjoyable to eat as it is nutritious.
Convenience and Preparation Benefits: With no cooking required, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The dressing can even be made ahead for even quicker assembly.
Nutritional Advantages: Packed with fiber from apples, healthy fats from walnuts, and antioxidants from fresh greens, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse. The Maple Dijon Vinaigrette adds flavor without excessive calories.
Social and Entertaining Value: This salad is a crowd-pleaser—its vibrant colors and balanced flavors make it a hit at potlucks, holiday meals, or dinner parties. It pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes.
Cost-Effectiveness and Accessibility: Made with simple, affordable ingredients, this salad is budget-friendly. Apples and walnuts are easy to find year-round, making it a practical choice for any occasion.
The Recipe
Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or jar with lid
- Salad spinner (optional)
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 2 medium apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
- For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, and optional add-ins like cheese or cranberries.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge. Toast walnuts ahead and store at room temperature.
- Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts, or use balsamic vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.
- For extra crunch: Add sliced celery or cucumber for additional texture.
