If you’re looking to capture the crisp and cozy flavors of the season in one vibrant, refreshing dish, the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is your new go-to. This salad perfectly balances sweet, tart, and nutty notes with a bright, tangy vinaigrette that ties everything together. Whether you want a quick lunch, a stunning side dish, or a wholesome entrée, this salad’s colorful mix of fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, and lively greens makes each bite a celebration of autumn’s bounty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing out the best in this salad. Each component adds a distinct flavor or texture that contributes to the overall harmony—from the peppery greens to the sweet burst of apples and the warm crunch of toasted walnuts.
- 4 cups mixed greens: A blend of spinach and arugula adds peppery and fresh notes with lovely texture contrast.
- 2 apples, thinly sliced: Choose Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile to balance the salad.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds crunch.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These provide bursts of chewy, sweet-tart flavor.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese: Optional but highly recommended for creamy tanginess.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a mild sharpness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base of the vinaigrette, bringing richness and smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Offers a gentle spice and emulsifying power for the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Sweetens the vinaigrette naturally with a hint of autumn warmth.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Provides tang and bright acidity to balance flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
How to Make Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Start by whisking together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. The Dijon smooths the mixture while the maple syrup brings a gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the acidity from the vinegar. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste, then set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toasting walnuts is a small step that makes a big difference. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped walnuts, stirring frequently for 3 to 5 minutes. When they’re fragrant and lightly golden, remove them from the heat and let them cool. This step releases their oils, enhancing their crunch and nuttiness.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice your apples to ensure each bite includes their crisp texture. For an extra touch, toss the slices lightly in lemon juice to keep them from browning, preserving that fresh look and tang.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large, beautiful bowl, combine the mixed greens, thin apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and red onion slices. If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for a creamy, tangy finish. This layering of colors and textures makes the salad irresistible.
Step 5: Dress and Toss
Drizzle your prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss with tongs or large spoons until everything is evenly coated, but be careful not to bruise the delicate greens. This ensures every bite is bursting with balanced flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe immediately to enjoy its crisp freshness. Whether plated individually or presented family-style, this salad will shine as a wholesome and festive addition to your meal.
How to Serve Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a subtle freshness to elevate this salad even further. A sprinkle of extra walnuts or a shaving of aged Parmesan can also enhance texture and taste, creating eye-catching plates everyone will admire.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with warm, hearty dishes such as roasted chicken, maple-glazed pork chops, or a simple quiche. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures provide a fresh contrast to the richness of these mains, making for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out apples or individual glass jars for a picnic twist. Layered in mason jars, it also makes an excellent grab-and-go lunch option that preserves the glorious texture of the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep salad components separate whenever possible—store the greens in a paper towel-lined container to maintain crispness while keeping the dressing in a sealed jar. Walnuts can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but keep apples and cranberries refrigerated to preserve freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, and unfortunately, freezing is not recommended as the greens and apples will become soggy. However, you can freeze extra vinaigrette for convenience to use in future salads or as a marinade.
Reheating
Because this is a fresh salad, reheating may weaken textures and flavors. If you want to enjoy leftovers, toss the undressed salad with the vinaigrette just before serving to maintain its crisp character and vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully as substitutes. Just toast them to bring out their flavors and add that satisfying crunch.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta or goat cheese or replace with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the salad both delicious and vegan-friendly.
How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?
For best texture and flavor, enjoy the salad immediately after dressing it. If necessary, keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within a day, as the greens and apples may become soggy over time.
Can I prepare this salad for a large crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredient quantities and toss everything together right before serving to ensure freshness. The Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe scales up easily and impresses every time.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?
Both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are excellent choices. Granny Smith apples add a tart crispness, while Honeycrisp brings natural sweetness; either way, you get that signature crunch and fruit-forward flavor perfect for the season.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe highly enough—it’s that perfect balance of freshness, texture, and autumnal flavors that keeps me coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this salad is a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the season’s bounty with every delightful bite. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your fall meal rotation!
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Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Autumn Apple Walnut Salad featuring crisp mixed greens, tart and sweet apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and optional creamy feta or goat cheese, all tossed in a luscious maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side, this salad combines seasonal flavors and textures in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your preferred mix)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Toast the Walnuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
- Slice the Apples: Thinly slice the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline. To prevent browning, optionally toss the slices in lemon juice right after slicing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for added creaminess.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Gently toss using tongs or large spoons to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Enjoy immediately to maintain the crispness and freshness of all ingredients.
Notes
- To keep apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice right after slicing.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- The cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- To make it vegan, omit the cheese and ensure the maple syrup is pure and unprocessed.
