There’s something truly magical about the combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. The Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe captures the essence of fall in every bite, bringing together fresh, vibrant ingredients that celebrate the season. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a stunning side salad, or a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, this recipe offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and refreshingly bright.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the peppery greens, the perfect tart or sweet apple slices, or the rich crunch of toasted walnuts. Together, they create a visually stunning and flavorful experience.
- 4 cups mixed greens: Choose spinach, arugula, or a mix to add fresh, leafy texture and a peppery bite.
- 2 apples, thinly sliced: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast; Honeycrisp bring a sweeter note.
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped: Toasting walnuts enhances their nutty aroma and adds a satisfying crunch.
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries: These provide bursts of tangy sweetness that brighten the salad.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended): Adds creamy, salty depth that pairs amazingly with the apples.
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced: Offers a subtle sharpness that cuts through the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: The base for the vinaigrette, bringing smoothness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and complexity to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Infuses the vinaigrette with gentle, natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette
Start by combining olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until everything emulsifies into a smooth dressing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to match your taste preferences. Setting the vinaigrette aside lets the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toasting walnuts elevates their flavor by releasing their natural oils and deepening their nuttiness. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the chopped walnuts, and stir frequently for 3 to 5 minutes until you smell that warm, toasty aroma and see a light golden color. Remove them from the heat and allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Carefully thinly slice your apples to maintain their crisp texture and make them easy to eat. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline helps achieve uniform slices. To prevent browning, toss the slices in a little lemon juice if you want them to look fresh for longer, especially if preparing ahead of time.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced apples, cooled toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese on top, as the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the crisp apples and crunchy nuts.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle your homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Using tongs or large spoons, gently toss everything to ensure each leaf and ingredient is lightly coated with that rich, sweet, and tangy dressing. This final step brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Once tossed, transfer the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe to individual plates for a beautiful presentation or serve it family-style in a large bowl. The salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the vibrant textures and crispness of each ingredient.
How to Serve Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
Consider adding a few extra whole walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and aroma. A few additional dried cranberries on top add visual appeal and tiny bursts of sweet chewiness that invite bites with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs exceptionally well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty grain bowl. Its bright flavors and crunchy textures provide a refreshing counterpoint to richer main courses, making it a versatile side dish for various meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in clear glass bowls or small mason jars to showcase the colorful layers. You can also skewer apple slices, walnuts, and cheese cubes for bite-sized appetizers inspired by the salad’s components. Either way, the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe shines beautifully when its vibrant colors are thoughtfully presented.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep the salad fresh and prevent wilting, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving. The apples and walnuts will maintain their texture better this way.
Freezing
Because this salad relies on fresh greens, apples, and delicate textures, freezing is not recommended. The ingredients do not freeze well and will lose their crispness and flavor upon thawing, which would impact the delicious quality of the dish.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating it is not advised, as the mixed greens will wilt and the fresh flavors will fade. Simply prepare fresh when you want to enjoy the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this salad?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully if you prefer a different crunch or flavor profile. Just make sure to toast them to bring out their deepest flavors.
Is it necessary to add cheese?
No, the cheese is optional but highly recommended for its creamy texture and slight tang, which complements the sweet apples and tangy vinaigrette perfectly. For dairy-free options, consider crumbled tofu or avocado slices instead.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?
While you can prep ingredients like toasting nuts and making the vinaigrette ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What type of apples are best to use?
Granny Smith apples provide a tart balance that pairs well with the sweet dressing, while Honeycrisp apples bring a natural sweetness. Feel free to mix both for variety and complexity in flavor.
How long will the vinaigrette keep?
You can store the maple Dijon vinaigrette in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using, as ingredients may separate.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe enough for anyone wanting a taste of fall that excites the palate and warms the heart. Its beautiful blend of textures and flavors makes it a versatile favorite, perfect for weekday meals or festive occasions. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to salads for the season – and beyond!
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Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Autumn Apple Walnut Salad featuring a mix of crisp greens, tart and sweet apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and optional creamy feta cheese, all brought together with a flavorful maple Dijon vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, and elegant fall-inspired meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or your preferred mix)
- 2 apples, thinly sliced (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Vinaigrette Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Toast the Walnuts: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
- Slice the Apples: Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the apples. To prevent browning, optionally toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for added creaminess and flavor.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad components and gently toss with tongs or large spoons to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Best enjoyed immediately to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Notes
- To keep apple slices from browning, toss them with a tablespoon of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- To toast walnuts, keep an eye on them to avoid burning; stirring frequently helps even toasting.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta or goat cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Feel free to customize the mixed greens to your preference or seasonal availability.
- This salad is best served fresh and can be prepared shortly before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
