Apple Walnut Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette is crisp, colorful, and refreshing - basically everything you want in a salad. With crunchy apples, buttery walnuts, tangy feta, and sweet cranberries tossed over tender spring greens, this salad has that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. Drizzle it with an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, and you've got a vibrant dish that looks fancy but takes just minutes to make.
It's the kind of salad you'll want to make on repeat. Perfect for weeknight dinners, healthy lunches, or holiday spreads, this salad is hearty enough to serve on its own but versatile enough to pair with mains like roasted chicken, salmon, or steak. The homemade balsamic dressing ties it all together with a bold, tangy finish that you just can't get from a store-bought bottle.
If you loved this salad, try our Arugula Salad with Apple and Pecan and Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple next. These apple salads pair beautifully with Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for a cozy, fall-friendly dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A salad that actually satisfies. Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta create a symphony of flavors and textures, all tied together with a zippy balsamic vinaigrette. It's refreshing, satisfying, and the kind of salad you'll crave again and again.
- Ready in minutes. This salad comes together in just 10 minutes with simple, everyday ingredients. No cooking required - just slice, toss, drizzle, and serve. It's proof that salads can be beautiful without being complicated.
- Good-for-you ingredients. Packed with leafy greens, fruit, nuts, and a light homemade vinaigrette, this salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and nutrient-dense. You'll get fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants all in one delicious bowl.
- Perfect for any occasion. Weeknight dinner? Holiday spread? Potluck with friends? This salad fits right in. Elegant enough for entertaining on Thanksgiving but simple enough for a Tuesday night.
- A homemade vinaigrette. Forget store-bought bottles! Making your own balsamic vinaigrette takes just 2 minutes with pantry staples you already have on hand. It tastes fresher, brighter, and better than anything you'll find at the store. Plus, you can double the batch and keep extra in the fridge all week for easy meals.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this delicious Apple Walnut Salad, you will need the following ingredients (see recipe card below for quantities):
- spring mix salad greens - Tender, mild greens are a great base. Baby spinach, baby kale, or arugula are also delicious alternatives that bring a slightly stronger flavor.
- apple - Use a crisp variety like Honeycrisp apples, Pink Lady, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best crunch and flavor. You can even mix red and green apples for a pop of color.
- walnuts - Buttery and slightly bitter, they balance the sweetness of apples and cranberries. Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts also work if that's what you have on hand. For a sweet twist, try candied walnuts or Candied Pecans.
- red onion - Add a sharp bite that keeps the salad from being too sweet. For a milder flavor, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes before adding.
- dried cranberries - Sweet and tart, they add chewiness and a burst of color. Raisins, dried cherries, or even chopped dates make great swaps.
- feta cheese - Tangy and salty, creamy feta cheese ties everything together. You can also substitute with other cheese with a similar texture. Goat cheese brings creaminess, while blue cheese ir gorgonzola adds a bold savory punch.
- balsamic vinegar - The base of the vinaigrette. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used if you want a slightly different tang.
- Dijon mustard - Adds tang and helps emulsify the dressing so it doesn't separate. Yellow mustard can be used, but Dijon gives the best flavor.
- honey - A touch of sweetness to balance acidity. Maple syrup is a great vegan substitute and adds deeper caramel notes.
- salt and pepper - Essential for seasoning the dressing and brightening the flavors.
- extra virgin olive oil - Whisks into the vinaigrette for a silky finish. Avocado oil also works if you prefer.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife and cutting board, a large salad bowl, and a small bowl and whisk (or mason jar with a lid) for making the vinaigrette.
Instructions
- Combine the salad. In a large serving platter, add the salad greens, apple slices, red onions, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- Make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients (balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper). Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss and serve. Pour the salad dressing on top and toss salad gently to combine. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Expert Tip: Slice the Apples Last
Apples oxidize and brown quickly, so slice them right before serving the salad. If prepping ahead, toss them lightly in lemon juice or soak briefly in water with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and crisp.
More Tips and Tricks
- Balance the flavors. Taste the vinaigrette before tossing. If it's too tangy, add a touch more honey; if it's too sweet, add a splash more vinegar. Small tweaks make a big difference.
- Layer, don't dump. For a prettier presentation, layer greens on the bottom, then sprinkle toppings evenly before drizzling with dressing. It turns the salad into a showstopper.
- Double the dressing. The vinaigrette keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so make extra to use on other salads or even as a marinade for chicken.
Recipe Variations
- Add protein. Top with grilled chicken, salmon, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a complete meal. Shrimp or steak also make great additions, or even a sprinkle of bacon bits.
- Toast the walnuts. Toasting walnuts in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant makes them extra crunchy and enhances their nutty flavor.
- Add seeds. For extra crunch, add in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Turn it into a harvest salad. Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for an extra fall vibe. See our Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple.
- Use kale. Use chopped kale instead of spring mix and massage it with a little olive oil before tossing.
- Make it vegan. To make this salad vegan, omit the cheese or replace with a vegan feta alternative.
- Cheesy twist. Use blue cheese crumbles for a bold, savory punch that contrasts beautifully with sweet apples.
Storage
Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing in s a separate container such as a small jar.
How to Serve
This salad is fresh, crisp, and versatile, making it the perfect starter, side, or even a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey for a hearty meal, or with cozy soups like butternut squash or tomato for a warming combo. It's also a fantastic partner to salmon, pork chops, or steak, since the tangy balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the protein. For a simple great lunch, enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a grain dish like quinoa or farro.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this apple walnut salad:
Dinner Ideas
For more recipe ideas to pair this with on busy weeknights, check out our collection of easy dinner recipes, featuring one-pan dishes, quick pasta, roasted vegetables, light sides, and flavorful meals that come together in no time.
FAQ
Yes! Walnuts add crunch, a nutty flavor, and healthy fats that balance the sweetness of apples and cranberries in salads. They also make the salad more filling.
Many salads use walnuts, but this apple walnut salad is a classic. Waldorf salad, spinach salads, and fall harvest salads often feature walnuts too.
It's often referred to as an apple walnut salad. A classic example is Waldorf salad, which combines apples, walnuts, celery, and mayonnaise dressing. This recipe is a lighter, fresher take on the same flavor pairing.
Walnuts are a classic pairing, but pecans, almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts also taste great with apples in both sweet and savory recipes.
Balsamic vinaigrette is the perfect match for apple walnut salad, balancing sweet and tangy flavors. Honey mustard or apple cider vinaigrette also pair well.
It depends on the salad, but vinaigrettes like balsamic, Italian, or lemon-herb are versatile. Creamy dressings like Caesar or ranch are classics too.
Homemade vinaigrettes with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey or mustard are usually healthiest, since you control the ingredients. They're light, flavorful, and free from preservatives.
More Salad Recipes with Apples
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
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Recipe
Apple Walnut Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious apple walnut salad with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. A healthy, easy side dish or lunch!
Ingredients
- 5 cups spring mix salad greens
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
For the balsamic vinaigrette:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Combine the salad. In a large serving bowl, add the salad greens, apple slices, red onions, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- Make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss and serve. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separately in a small jar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
This post was originally published in 2018. It has since been updated with new photos and content.
Melisende says
I liked the salad a lot. Usually recipes have you toasting or candying the walnuts but it really wasn't needed.
Karyl Henry says
This salad looks so light and healthy! I'm not a big fan of walnuts, but I think substituting almonds would be perfect for me. I love the tart bite of cranberries too!
Sri Mallya says
One of my favorite salad combination. Perfect for lunch or dinner. Looks so yummy!
Jyothi (Jo) says
Bring it on - i'm a salad girl. I love to have my salads with balsamic vinaigrette dressing. it's sweet and it's savory at the same time.