Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time. Crisp apple slices mingle with crunchy toasted walnuts, all brought together by a sweet and tangy maple dressing that just sings on your taste buds. I love making this salad during the cozy fall months when apples are at their best, but honestly, you’ll find it a welcome bright spot on any lunch or dinner table. If you enjoy a salad that’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced, this recipe is definitely going to become a favorite.
Jump to:
What Makes This So Good
This Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe strikes the perfect chord of texture and flavor. The combination of crisp apple slices, nutty toasted walnuts, and the natural sweetness from the maple syrup dressing creates a refreshing but hearty salad that’s great as a snack, side, or light meal.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: It comes together quickly with simple ingredients without sacrificing taste.
- Family-Friendly: Even kids tend to love the crunch and sweetness combination.
- Simple Ingredients: Easily found in any grocery store, making this recipe super approachable.
- Works Any Night: Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution—so versatile!
Ingredient Guide
Choosing the right ingredients is key to nailing this Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe. Each element plays a role — the apples provide crispness, walnuts offer crunch and a toasty note, and the dressing brings everything together with sweet acidity.
- Apples: Pick firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. They hold their texture well and are nicely sweet-tart.
- Walnuts: Toast them lightly in a dry pan to bring out their earthy flavor and enhance crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a lovely chewiness and a kiss of tartness, perfectly complementing the apples.
- Mixed Greens (Optional): Baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix add freshness and a hint of bitterness to balance sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by coring and thinly slicing your apples—thin slices have a great crunch and mix easily with the other salad ingredients. Toast your walnuts gently in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often until you notice a comforting nutty aroma and just a hint of golden color. This step really makes a difference; trust me, the whole salad pops with flavor when the walnuts are toasted. If you’re adding greens, give them a quick rinse and spin dry so the salad doesn’t get soggy. Whisk together your maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl or jar until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. You’re already halfway there!
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
This salad doesn’t require cooking beyond toasting the walnuts, which you’ve just done. The best part about this Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe is the fresh combining of ingredients. Once the walnuts have cooled slightly, toss the apples, dried cranberries, and greens (if using) in a large bowl. Drizzle the maple dressing over the top and gently toss everything together—don’t over mix, or the apple slices might bruise. At this point, you’ll notice how the shiny, lightly glossy dressing makes every bite inviting and full of flavor.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
The final touch is simple but important: give everything one last gentle toss and taste for seasoning. You might want to add a pinch more salt or a dash more apple cider vinegar for brightness if needed. Serving immediately is best so the apples stay crisp, but if you have to wait a bit, keep the salad chilled and undressed, then add the maple dressing last-minute. Pair with your favorite cutlery and a pretty bowl to highlight the lovely colors. This Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe is ready to enjoy—crunch away and smile!
Extra Helpful Tips
I’ve found a few handy tricks to make your Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe even better and easier to enjoy:
- Watch for This Sign: When walnuts toast, they smell nutty and start to turn golden. Don’t walk away—they can go from perfect to burnt quickly.
- Temperature Trick: Use room temperature apples so the dressing clings better and flavors meld nicely.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Slice apples and toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning if prepping in advance.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t overdress your salad; start with less dressing and add more as needed to keep the crunch.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Want to shake things up? Try adding crumbled goat cheese or feta for creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the crisp apples. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can add a bright note, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of freshly ground black pepper deepens flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix in pomegranate seeds or swap cranberries with tart cherries to change the fruity accent.
Tasty Pairings
This salad pairs wonderfully with roast chicken or grilled pork for a full meal. It’s also a lovely companion alongside hearty sandwiches or a warm bowl of soup. For beverages, lightly chilled white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon work perfectly to complement the maple dressing’s sweetness.
Quick Plating Tips
Serve in a shallow bowl or on a wide plate to showcase all the colorful layers. Garnish with a few whole walnuts and a drizzle of extra maple dressing on top for a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes. A light scatter of microgreens or edible flowers amps up visual appeal quickly if you have them on hand.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store leftover Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain the apple’s crispness. You might notice the walnuts soften a bit and apples won’t be quite as vibrant, but it still tastes great.
Freezer Friendly?
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh texture of apples and greens turning mushy after thawing. I’d recommend enjoying it fresh or making smaller batches to avoid waste.
Reheat Like New
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t typically needed — and it would harm the crispness. If you must warm it, remove the greens and apples, then briefly warm the walnuts and dressing separately to revive the toasted aroma, then toss together just before serving.
Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work beautifully toasted in place of walnuts, offering a slightly different but just as delicious crunch.
Toss sliced apples with a little lemon juice or prepare the salad close to serving time to minimize browning. The maple dressing adds some protection too.
Yes, if you keep the dressing separate from the apples and nuts until ready to eat. This keeps everything tasting fresher and crisper.
Definitely! The maple dressing keeps well in the fridge for up to a week—just give it a good whisk before using.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe as much as I do. It’s a wonderful way to bring seasonal flavors into your kitchen with ease and happiness. Don’t forget to leave a star rating or comment to share your tweaks—maybe you’ll add crumbled cheese next time, or swap in your favorite nuts. Whatever your variation, this recipe is a dependable crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
Print📖 Recipe
Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing Recipe
A fresh and vibrant Apple and Walnut Salad featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries, tossed with mixed greens and a sweet, tangy maple dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines crunchy textures and bright flavors with a simple, wholesome dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens (optional)
Maple Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Core and thinly slice the apples. Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then chop them coarsely. If using, wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
- Combine the salad components: In a large salad bowl, add the sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and mixed greens. Gently toss them together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the maple dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt until well combined and emulsified.
- Toss the salad with the dressing: Drizzle the prepared maple dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to coat all ingredients lightly and evenly without bruising the apples.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or bowls and enjoy immediately for the freshest texture and flavor.
Notes
- For added texture, try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese to the salad.
- To keep apples from browning if not serving immediately, toss them with a little lemon juice.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds to suit your preference.
- This salad is best served fresh and does not hold well for long storage once dressed.
Leave a Reply