September is all about apples aka fall's favourite fruit! So let's have an apple today and keep the doctor away with this fresh, fall favourite -- apple walnut salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Not only is it healthy for you, but it will beautifully decorate any dinner table this season.
This salad just takes a few classic fall ingredients, throws them together to make fall salad perfection! Apples give this apple walnut salad an amazing crunchy kick, the walnuts add some depth, and the cranberries balance the salad out with that little extra sweetness and taste of the holidays. These three are kind of a match made in heaven!
The crunchy kick of apples in a salad is kind of an obsession of mine and why I take any opportunity to add them to my salads... Some of my past favourites have been my winter kale salad with apple cider vinaigrette and my arugula salad with apple and pecan. But when using apples in salads, one problem I sometimes face is the apples turning brown. So if I am serving this at a dinner party, I will usually cut up and add the apples just before serving. Or to save time, you can slice the apples beforehand and let them soak in some lemon water before adding them to your salad and re-tossing.
Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
Let's take a minute to talk about homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Gone are the days where you need to stock up the fridge with store-bought salad dressing. Making your own at home takes literally 2 minutes and uses ingredients that you probably already have at home. Plus, double the recipe and save half in the fridge for the following week!
How to Make the Best Apple Walnut Salad
- Combine salad ingredients. In a large serving bowl, combine salad greens, apple, red onions, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- Make dressing. In a small mixing bowl, make the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk to combine.
- Toss. Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
More Apple Recipes
- 30 Best Apple Recipes
- Arugula Salad with Apple and Pecan
- Baked Apples
- Apple Crumble
- Slow Cooker Apple Cider
- Apple Tart
Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook for more recipe updates.
Recipe
Apple Walnut Salad with Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Have an apple today and keep the doctor away with this fresh, fall favourite -- apple walnut salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Throw together crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries for a taste of the holidays.
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
- In a large serving bowl, combine salad greens, apple, red onions, walnuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese.
- In a small mixing bowl, make the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk to combine.
- Pour the dressing over top and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Food Blogger Business School
A step-by-step program that teaches food bloggers how to grow and scale their blogs into a full-time business
in less time and without posting endless content until you burn out.
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.