Apple and Walnut Salad (Printer-friendly)

Crisp apples and walnuts with tangy vinaigrette create a refreshing winter salad ready in 15 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Produce

01 - 2 large crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and thinly sliced
02 - 1 small celery stalk, thinly sliced
03 - 1.75 ounces mixed salad greens such as arugula or baby spinach

→ Nuts

04 - 2.8 ounces walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Cheese

05 - 2.1 ounces crumbled blue cheese or feta, optional or omit for dairy-free

→ Dressing

06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine sliced apples, celery, salad greens, and walnuts
03 - Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly
04 - Sprinkle crumbled cheese on top if using and serve immediately for maximum crispness

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing emulsifies beautifully and clings to every leaf without making anything soggy, so it actually tastes better the moment you finish tossing.
  • You can throw it together in 15 minutes flat, which makes it perfect for those nights when you want something fresh but don't have the energy for real cooking.
02 -
  • The most common mistake is over-dressing—you need far less than you think, because the apples and walnuts release moisture as you eat, creating a sauce of their own.
  • Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet for 3 to 4 minutes if you have time; it deepens their flavor in a way that feels like a secret upgrade.
03 -
  • Store your apples in the coldest part of your refrigerator before slicing—the colder they are, the longer they'll stay crisp once on the plate.
  • Whisk your dressing in a jar and shake it hard just before serving, as it separates slightly as it sits, but vigorous shaking brings it right back together.
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