Apple and Walnut Salad (Print Version)

Refreshing mix of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette for a light winter dish.

# Components:

→ Produce

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

→ Nuts

04 - 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped

→ Cheese (optional)

05 - 2 cups crumbled blue cheese or feta (omit for dairy-free)

→ Dressing

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

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified and smooth.
02 - In a large salad bowl, add sliced apples, celery, mixed salad greens, and chopped walnuts.
03 - Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
04 - Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese or feta on top if desired. Serve immediately to maintain optimal crispness and texture.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of sweet apples, sharp cheese, and earthy walnuts hits every craving in one bite
  • It comes together in fifteen minutes but looks like something from a restaurant menu
  • You can keep all ingredients on hand for impromptu entertaining
02 -
  • The apples will oxidize slightly after slicing, but the acid in the dressing actually helps preserve their color
  • Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for three minutes transforms their flavor from mildly nutty to deeply aromatic
  • This salad needs to be eaten immediately after dressing because the greens wilt quickly once they meet the vinaigrette
03 -
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin ribbons of apple instead of slicing for an elegant presentation
  • Let the dressing sit for ten minutes before using so the mustard mellows and the honey dissolves completely
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