Description
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, combining crisp apples, toasted walnuts, tangy dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Mixed Salad Greens:
6 cups
Apples (sliced thin):
2 medium (any crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Walnuts (lightly toasted):
1/2 cup
Dried Cranberries:
1/3 cup
Crumbled Goat Cheese or Feta:
1/4 cup
Red Onion (thinly sliced):
1/4
Olive Oil (for toasting nuts, optional):
1 tablespoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients until smooth and emulsified. Set aside.
- Toasting the Walnuts: If desired, toast the walnuts in a skillet with a touch of olive oil over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, then let cool.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, red onion, and goat cheese.
- Toss with Vinaigrette: Drizzle the maple Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans for walnuts or blue cheese for goat cheese.
- To keep apples from browning, toss slices in a bit of lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- This salad pairs well with roasted chicken or pork for a heartier meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
