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Fresh Apple Walnut Salad with greens and dressing

Apple Walnut Salad

A quick and delightful Apple Walnut Salad that combines crunchy apples, candied walnuts, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette, perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Candied Walnuts

  • 1 cup unsalted walnut halves or pieces
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional) For a hint of spice

For the Salad

  • 2 red or green apples, quartered and finely sliced
  • 1 squeeze lemon juice To prevent browning of apples
  • 3-4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled Skip for a vegetarian option
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens and arugula
  • 1/2 medium red onion, finely sliced
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional)

For the Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple butter or apple sauce (optional) Use apple sauce as a substitute
  • 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey To sweeten the dressing
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried garlic or 1 minced fresh garlic clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or sage

Instructions
 

Make Quick Candied Walnuts

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a skillet, melt butter and sugar over medium heat. Add walnuts, salt, and cayenne, stirring to coat. Cook for 3-5 minutes until sugar melts. Spread on baking sheet to cool.
  • Keep stirring to prevent the sugar from burning. Let them cool fully for a crisp snap.

Prepare Apples

  • Drizzle apple slices with lemon juice. Toss gently to prevent browning. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Make Dressing

  • Mix all dressing ingredients in a bowl or jar. Whisk until smooth or shake in a jar until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness.
  • If the dressing separates, give it a quick shake before using.

Assemble Salad

  • In a bowl, combine salad greens, half of the apple slices, and onion. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently.

Top and Serve

  • Top with cranberries, bacon, pumpkin seeds, and candied walnuts. Add remaining apple slices and feta. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately.
  • Add crunchy toppings last to keep them crisp.

Notes

Keep candied walnuts and dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 410mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10g
Keyword Apple Salad, Fall Salad, Healthy Salad, side dish, Walnut Salad
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