Quick & Easy Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Hi, I’m Clara, and I know how challenging it can be to put a healthy, delicious meal on the table when you’re juggling work, family, and everything else life throws your way. That’s why I’m so excited to share my “salad with apples and walnuts” recipe with you! This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients to keep you energized throughout the day. So, let’s dive into this easy and delightful salad with apples and walnuts!

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Salad with Apples and Walnuts

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick and delicious lunch.
• Satisfying Crunch: The combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta cheese creates a delightful textural experience.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of the apples and cranberries, the saltiness of the feta and bacon, and the tangy dressing make every bite a burst of flavor.
• Readily Available Ingredients: You can find all of the ingredients for this salad at your local grocery store, so there’s no need to hunt down specialty items.

Ingredients for Your Salad with Apples and Walnuts

• 6 cups salad: (I used a combination of arugula and baby spinach; any spring green mix will do). The mix of greens adds a peppery and mild base that lets the other flavors shine.
• 1 red apple: The sweetness and crispness of a red apple, like a Fuji or Gala, adds a delightful sweetness and satisfying crunch.
• 1 green apple: A tart green apple, like a Granny Smith, balances the sweetness of the red apple and adds a touch of acidity.
• 1 cup walnuts (roughly chopped, such as Diamond of California): Chopped walnuts provide a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. Diamond of California walnuts are my go-to for their consistent quality.
• 4-6 smoked beef bacon strips (cooked and chopped (optional)): The smoky, salty flavor of beef bacon adds a savory element that complements the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element that ties all the flavors together.
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add a chewy texture and a burst of sweetness and tartness.
• 1 cup apple juice: Apple juice forms the base of the dressing, adding sweetness and complementing the apple flavors in the salad.
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar in a pinch): Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dressing that balances the sweetness of the apple juice and honey.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing and helps to emulsify the ingredients.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dressing and the salad.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a touch of spice to the dressing and the salad.
• ¼ cup oil: I like to use olive or avocado oil as the base of the dressing to emulsify all the flavors.
• 1 cup walnut halves: These are used to make the candied walnuts.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Butter adds richness and helps the sugar caramelize when making the candied walnuts.
• ¼ cup sugar: Sugar caramelizes and coats the walnuts, creating a sweet and crunchy treat.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: The touch of salt balances the sweetness of the sugar in the candied walnuts.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor to the candied walnuts.

How to Make This Delicious Salad with Apples and Walnuts

1. Core and chop apples (thin slices or 1-inch chunks). Toss lettuce, apples, walnuts, feta, smoked beef bacon (if using), and cranberries together in a large bowl.
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients or combine in a jar and shake vigorously. Toss with salad immediately before serving. Enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Salad with Apples and Walnuts

To keep your apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice immediately after chopping. Toasting your walnuts enhances their nutty flavor; you can do this in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, on the stovetop in a dry pan, or even in the microwave in 30-second intervals. For extra decadence, try making candied walnuts by melting butter and sugar in a pan, then adding the walnuts, salt, and cinnamon, cooking until caramelized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Avoid overdressing the salad, as this can make it soggy. Start with a small amount of dressing and add more as needed. Using the wrong type of lettuce, such as iceberg, can result in a bland salad. Opt for a mix of greens with different textures and flavors. Be sure to toast your walnuts properly; untoasted walnuts can taste bland and lack crunch.

Recipe Variations for Your Salad with Apples and Walnuts

Here are a few ideas to tailor this salad to your dietary needs and preferences:

Variation	Ingredient Substitution
Vegan	Omit feta cheese and beef bacon; use maple syrup instead of honey in dressing.
Vegetarian	Omit beef bacon.
Gluten-Free	Ensure dressing ingredients are gluten-free.

For a seasonal twist, try using pears instead of apples in the winter or adding pomegranate seeds in the fall.

What to Serve with This Salad with Apples and Walnuts

This salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes. It’s perfect for a light lunch on its own or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or even crispy oven baked green beans. It’s also a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a potluck gathering, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes like vibrant roasted root vegetables.

Storing Your Salad with Apples and Walnuts

To keep your salad fresh, store the lettuce mixture and dressing separately. The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The lettuce mixture is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Make-Ahead Instructions for Salad with Apples and Walnuts

To save time, you can prepare several components of this salad in advance. Chop the apples and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning. Toast the walnuts and crumble the feta cheese. Store each ingredient separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Dressing Troubleshooting

If your dressing is too tart, add a little more honey to balance the acidity. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. If the dressing is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of water or apple juice to thin it out.

Nutrition Information

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on product brands and cooking methods.

Per Serving (estimated):

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this delightful salad with apples and walnuts as much as I do! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your salad turns out! I’d love to hear about any variations you tried. And if you loved the recipe, please rate it! Happy cooking!