There is something truly magical about the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe—a vibrant celebration of fall flavors wrapped up in one colorful bowl. Crisp apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, and zingy dried cranberries mingle with peppery greens and a luscious vinaigrette that’s perfectly balanced with sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard. Every bite bursts with texture and warmth, making this salad a standout on any table, whether for a casual lunch or an elegant autumn dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives on simple yet carefully selected ingredients that each play a starring role. The freshness of the greens lays the foundation, while the apples and walnuts add crunch and flavor complexity. The vinaigrette brings everything together with a delicate sweetness and tang that makes you want to keep eating.
- Mixed greens (4 cups): Choose spinach, arugula, or a blend for a fresh, peppery base.
- Apples (2, thinly sliced): Granny Smith offers tartness; Honeycrisp provides a sweeter note.
- Walnuts (1/2 cup, toasted and chopped): Toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): These offer a chewy, tangy sweetness that brightens the salad.
- Feta or goat cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled, optional): Adds creamy, salty contrast for an extra layer of flavor.
- Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Gives a mild sharpness and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Provides richness and smoothness to the vinaigrette.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
- Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness to balance the tart elements.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Lends acidity and brightness to the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
Start by combining the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to marry the sweetness of the maple with the tangy vinegar and the sharpness of the mustard. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper, adjusting to your personal taste. This dressing is the heart of the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Heating a small skillet over medium, add your chopped walnuts and toast them for about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir frequently so they brown evenly without burning. This toasting step unlocks their rich, warm aroma and adds a delightful crunch that complements the apples perfectly. Once toasted, set them aside to cool before adding them to your salad.
Step 3: Slice the Apples
Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, thinly slice your chosen apples. For a touch of extra freshness and to prevent browning, toss the slices lightly in some lemon juice if you like. The apples provide natural crispness and a burst of flavor that elevates this salad from simple to sensational.
Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Take a large bowl and add your mixed greens, the thin apple slices, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and sliced red onions. If you’re opting to use cheese, sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top now. The colors and textures coming together here are already something to smile about.
Step 5: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle that gorgeous maple Dijon vinaigrette evenly over your salad. Gently toss everything with tongs or large spoons to coat the ingredients without bruising the tender greens or apples. This way, every bite will be beautifully balanced and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. The Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crispness and vibrant flavors. Trust me, you’ll be asking for seconds.
How to Serve Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
To add flair and additional texture, consider garnishing with extra chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of microgreens. A few fresh thyme leaves can also enhance the autumnal vibe of this salad beautifully, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with autumn-inspired mains such as roasted chicken, pumpkin soup, or even a warm grain bowl. Its light yet complex flavors provide the perfect fresh counterpoint to heartier dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the salad in hollowed-out apple halves or on rustic wooden platters to embrace its fall roots. Layering the salad components in clear glass jars for a grab-and-go meal also looks stunning and keeps everything crisp until you’re ready to toss and eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. This prevents the greens and apples from becoming soggy. The salad remains fresh for up to one day when kept refrigerated.
Freezing
Because fresh greens and apples don’t freeze well, it’s best to avoid freezing the salad or the vinaigrette. The texture would be compromised and not as delightful when thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste experience.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds toasted similarly will work wonderfully, offering their own unique crunch and flavor while maintaining the salad’s autumn essence.
Is the cheese necessary in the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe?
The cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the sweet and tart elements, but it is completely optional. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a dairy-free or lighter version.
How long does the salad stay fresh after mixing?
To keep the salad fresh and crisp, it’s best eaten immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette. Storing tossed salad for more than a few hours can cause the greens and apples to wilt.
Can I make the vinaigrette in advance?
Yes! The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using.
What type of apples works best for this salad?
For a perfect balance, tart Granny Smith apples are great for a tangy bite, while sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji add mild sweetness and crispness. Mixing varieties also gives more depth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s fresh, beautiful, and packed with show-stopping flavors that capture the spirit of fall perfectly. Next time you’re craving a salad with a little extra magic, this recipe is your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I have!
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Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette is a refreshing and vibrant fall-inspired salad featuring crisp mixed greens, sweet-tart apples, crunchy toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a perfectly balanced maple Dijon dressing. It’s a delightful dish that combines textures and flavors ideal for a light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 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
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- 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. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to allow flavors to 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 let cool to preserve their crunch.
- Slice the apples: Thinly slice the apples using a sharp knife or mandoline for even slices. Optionally, toss the apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning and keep them looking fresh.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apples, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onions. If using, sprinkle crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for added creaminess.
- Toss with vinaigrette: Drizzle the prepared maple Dijon vinaigrette over the assembled salad. Gently toss using tongs or large spoons to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the delicate greens.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to individual plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Enjoy immediately to maintain the crispness and freshness of all components.
Notes
- To prevent apple slices from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- Walnuts can be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container to save preparation time.
- The vinaigrette can be adjusted for sweetness or tanginess by varying maple syrup and vinegar quantities.
- For a vegan version, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain texture and flavor.
