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
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 4 cups mixed greens (optional)
Maple Dressing:
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp 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.
