Looking for a salad that’s a little bit fancy but totally doable? My Apple Walnut Salad is just the ticket! I’m Daniel, and I started Reciqa because I believe that good food isn’t just about what’s on the plate; it’s about the joy of making it and the connections it creates. My kitchen is all about simple, delicious recipes that bring people together, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. This Apple Walnut Salad is one of those gems – it’s got this incredible mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy that just sings. It’s perfect for a light lunch that feels like a treat, or even as a show-stopping side dish for your next meal. Trust me, I’ve tinkered with this one to get it just right, so you can feel confident serving it up!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Salad
Seriously, this salad is a winner! It’s got that perfect balance of everything that makes a salad truly memorable. You get amazing flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s packed with good stuff that makes you feel great after eating it. It’s one of those recipes that just works, every single time.
Quick and Easy Preparation
You won’t believe how fast this comes together! Most of the magic happens while the walnuts are cooling. It’s the ideal recipe for those busy weeknights when you want something fresh and delicious without the fuss.
A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
Get ready for a party in your mouth! You’ve got the crisp apples, the sweet and crunchy candied walnuts, the salty bacon, and that zippy dressing all playing together. It’s a delightful mix of sweet, savory, tangy, crisp, and crunchy that’s just irresistible.
Gathering Your Apple Walnut Salad Ingredients
Okay, so to make this amazing Apple Walnut Salad, we’re going to want to grab some fresh, good-quality ingredients. It really makes a difference, trust me! The stars of the show are definitely the crisp apples and those crunchy candied walnuts. We’ll also need some peppery arugula mixed in with our greens for a little extra kick. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* every single thing; I’ll chat about swaps in a bit. But here’s the rundown of what you’ll need to get:
| For The Salad | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (red or green) | 2 | quartered, seeds removed, finely sliced |
| Lemon juice | Squeeze | |
| Bacon | 3-4 slices | cooked and crumbled |
| Mixed salad greens and arugula | 6 cups | |
| Red onion | ½ | finely sliced |
| Dried cranberries | ⅓ cup | |
| Pumpkin seeds | 2 tablespoons | |
| Feta or goat cheese (optional) | ½ cup | crumbled |
| For The Candied Walnuts | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon | |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup | |
| Unsalted walnut halves/pieces | 1 cup | |
| Salt | Pinch | |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | Pinch |
| For The Dressing/Vinaigrette | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons | |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup | |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | |
| Apple butter or apple sauce (optional) | 1 tablespoon | |
| Maple syrup or honey | 1-2 teaspoons | |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Dried garlic or fresh garlic clove | ½ teaspoon / 1 | minced |
| Dried thyme or sage | ¼ teaspoon |
Ingredient Substitutions and Notes
Now, about those ingredients! If you don’t have arugula, just use all mixed greens or even some spinach. Pecans work just as beautifully as walnuts for the candied nuts, and you can totally skip the cheese if you prefer or use blue cheese for a sharper bite. That little bit of apple butter or applesauce in the dressing? It adds a wonderful depth and sweetness that just sings with the apples, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have it, a little extra honey or maple syrup will do the trick. And the cayenne? It adds a tiny, barely-there warmth that’s super interesting; leave it out if you’re not a fan of heat!
Crafting Your Perfect Apple Walnut Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Quick Candied Walnuts
Alright, let’s get those walnuts going first! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – this makes cleanup a breeze. In a skillet, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat. Toss in your walnuts, salt, and that optional pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling a little adventurous. Stir them around for about 3 to 5 minutes until that sugar is all melted and coats the nuts. Get them onto the prepared pan right away, spread them out, and let them cool completely. It usually takes about 10 minutes for them to get nice and hard.
Prepare the Apples and Other Salad Components
While those walnuts are cooling, let’s prep the rest. Take your sliced apples and give them a little squeeze of lemon juice, then toss them gently. This is our little trick to keep them from turning brown and sad. Oh, and don’t forget to finely slice that red onion – it adds a nice little bite!
Whisk Together the Tangy Vinaigrette
Now for the dressing! Grab a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Throw in the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple butter (if you’re using it – it’s a nice optional touch!), maple syrup, salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Give it a good shake or whisk until it’s all combined and looks lovely and emulsified. Taste it and see if you want to add a little more sweetness or tang. This dressing is what ties everything in our Apple Walnut Salad together!
Assemble Your Delicious Apple Walnut Salad
Time for the fun part! Grab your biggest salad bowl. Start with your greens and arugula, add about half of those beautiful apple slices and all of your sliced red onion. Drizzle about half of that dressing over the top and give it a gentle toss. Now, scatter on the dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, pumpkin seeds, and a generous handful of your cooled candied walnuts. Add the remaining apple slices and that optional cheese. Give it another little drizzle of the dressing. Toss it all one last time, making sure everything gets coated. Serve immediately and enjoy that amazing Apple Walnut Salad!
Tips for the Ultimate Apple Walnut Salad Success
Want to make sure your Apple Walnut Salad is absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up:
- Don’t skip the lemon juice on the apples! Seriously, it’s a game-changer for keeping them looking fresh and bright in your salad.
- Toast those walnuts! While candying them does the job, if you’re in a super-hurry, a quick toast in a dry pan brings out their nutty flavor beautifully.
- Taste and adjust the dressing. This is key! Everyone’s preference for sweet vs. tangy is different, so give it a little taste and tweak it until it’s just right for you.
- Assemble right before serving. This keeps everything crisp and fresh, especially those lovely candied walnuts and delicate greens.
Storing and Reheating Your Apple Walnut Salad
Got leftovers? Lucky you! The best way to store this Apple Walnut Salad is to keep all the components separate. The dressing, the cooked bacon, and those glorious candied walnuts can all hang out in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a day. The candied nuts are actually great at room temp and can last even longer! If you do have leftover assembled salad, pack it without the dressing and add it right before you eat. Dressed salad just doesn’t have the same crunch factor, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Nutritional Insights for Your Apple Walnut Salad
Just so you know, the nutritional info below is an estimate based on the ingredients listed, and it can totally change depending on the brands you use and any little tweaks you make. It’s a pretty well-rounded salad, offering a good mix of everything you need! For more information on general nutritional guidelines, you can consult resources like the MyPlate program from the USDA.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 24 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Sugar | 25 g |
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Walnut Salad
Got some questions swirling around about this delicious Apple Walnut Salad? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make the candied walnuts ahead of time for this Apple Walnut Salad?
Absolutely! The candied walnuts are perfect for making ahead. You can whip them up a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better when they’ve had a little time to really get crisp!
What are the best apples to use for an Apple Walnut Salad?
For the best texture and flavor in your Apple Walnut Salad, I really love using crisp apples that hold their shape well. Think Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even a Granny Smith if you like a little tartness to balance the sweetness. Just make sure to slice them thinly!
How can I make this Apple Walnut Salad vegetarian?
Great news! This Apple Walnut Salad is already vegetarian if you skip the bacon. If you want to add a vegetarian protein, crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a nice salty kick, or you could try adding some chickpeas for extra heartiness. For more vegetarian recipe ideas, check out our vegetarian recipes.
Can I add other vegetables to my Apple Walnut Salad?
Oh, for sure! Feel free to get creative with your Apple Walnut Salad. Thinly sliced celery adds a lovely crunch, and a bit of finely chopped red bell pepper can bring in a nice sweetness and color. Just toss them in with the greens!
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Amazing Apple Walnut Salad: 10/10 Flavor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Walnut Salad is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. It features crisp apples, crunchy candied walnuts, salty bacon, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
- For The Salad:
- 2 red or green apples, quartered, seeds removed, finely sliced
- Squeeze of lemon juice (to stop apple browning)
- 3-4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 cups mixed salad greens and arugula
- ½ red onion, finely sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled (optional garnish)
- For the Candied Walnuts:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted walnut halves or pieces
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- For The Dressing/Vinaigrette:
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple butter or apple sauce (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic or 1 minced fresh garlic clove
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or sage
Instructions
- Make Quick Candied Walnuts: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or Silpat. In a medium non-stick skillet, add butter and sugar. Heat over medium heat until butter melts, stirring occasionally. Add walnuts, salt, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to coat walnuts. Cook and stir frequently over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, or until sugar is fully melted. Immediately remove from heat. Spread walnuts onto the prepared pan in a single layer. Cool for 10 minutes or until candy hardens.
- Prepare Apples: Drizzle with lemon juice and toss to prevent browning.
- Make Dressing: Place dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Shake or whisk well. Adjust to taste.
- Assemble Salad: Place salad greens in a large bowl with half the apple slices and all the onion. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss. Scatter cranberries, bacon, pumpkin seeds, desired amount of candied walnuts, remaining apple slices, and feta. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Dressed salad should be eaten right away.
- Make Ahead: The dressing, cooked bacon, and candied walnuts can be made up to a day in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Candied nuts do not need refrigeration and can be stored for longer than a day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop and Assembly
- Cuisine: American
