Walnut and Apple Salad

Name: Walnut and Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 2 apples, diced; 1 cup walnuts, toasted; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Meal Recipes

I absolutely love this Walnut and Apple Salad for its freshness and rich textures. The combination of crunchy walnuts and sweet apples creates a delightful contrast that's simply irresistible. I often prepare this salad when I have friends over, as it's not only a treat for the palate but also visually stunning. The dressing, made with a hint of honey and lemon, ties all the flavors together beautifully, making it a perfect side or light lunch option. Plus, it takes only 15 minutes to prepare, which is a win in my book!

Created by

Luca

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:41:27.760Z

Creating this Walnut and Apple Salad was a delightful experience that soon became a staple in our household. The trick is to use crisp, fresh apples to maintain that lovely crunch, and toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor.

One memorable occasion was a picnic where I packed this salad. I added a sprinkle of feta cheese just before serving, which elevated the dish even more. The combination of flavors and textures was fantastic, and it always garners compliments!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Crunchy walnuts paired with sweet, crisp apples
Simple yet elegant presentation that's perfect for gatherings
Nutritious ingredients that make you feel good with every bite

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

Using the freshest possible ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture in your Walnut and Apple Salad. Look for apples that are firm and crisp, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, as they will provide the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. When selecting greens, opt for vibrant, fresh mixed greens like arugula, spinach, and romaine to ensure a colorful and nutritious base for your salad.

Browning apples can be a concern if you're making this salad ahead of time. To prevent this, toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting them. This not only keeps them looking fresh but also complements the dressing's flavor profile. Keep your walnuts toasted but store them in an airtight container to maintain their crunch until you're ready to assemble the salad.

Balancing Flavors with the Dressing

The dressing for this salad plays a vital role in tying all the elements together. The combination of honey, olive oil, and lemon juice provides a perfect sweet and tangy balance that elevates the flavors of the apples and walnuts. For an extra depth, consider using a flavored olive oil, such as one infused with garlic or herbs, which can add complexity with minimal effort.

If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the olive oil. This will introduce a rich texture while maintaining the salad's brightness. Adjust the amount of honey depending on your taste preferences, especially if your apples are particularly sweet. Always taste the dressing before adding it to the salad, allowing you to fine-tune the flavors to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Walnut and Apple Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. These additions complement the salad's crunch while making it more filling, perfect for a light lunch or dinner. If you're hosting a gathering, serve this salad in individual bowls or jars for an elegant presentation that adds a personal touch.

To switch things up, experiment with different cheeses or nuts. Blue cheese, for instance, offers a bold contrast to the sweet apples. You can also use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts, making this salad adaptable to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to add seasonal ingredients, such as pomegranate seeds in the fall, for a colorful twist.

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens
2 apples, diced
1 cup walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Additions: You can also include dried cranberries for a sweet touch.

Instructions

Prepare the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, and toasted walnuts.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well blended.

Combine and Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Enjoy your refreshing Walnut and Apple Salad!

Pro Tips

Serve this salad chilled for the best taste. You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you plan to serve this Walnut and Apple Salad later, consider preparing the ingredients separately. Keep the mixed greens, apples, and walnuts stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will ensure that the salad retains its freshness and crunch without getting soggy. You can prepare the dressing a day in advance, but make sure to give it a whisk before serving to re-emulsify any separated ingredients.

As for the apples, slicing them closer to serving time will give you the best results in terms of texture and appearance. Even with lemon juice applied, apples can start to lose their crispness if they sit too long, so cut them right before assembly to maximize freshness.

Common Troubleshooting

One common issue when making this salad is that the walnuts can lose their crunch if stored improperly. To avoid this, toast your walnuts just before serving and store any leftovers in a cool, dry place. If you find that your salad is too acidic after adding the dressing, try balancing it with a pinch of sugar or more honey to achieve the desired flavor profile.

If the salad appears too dry after tossing with the dressing, feel free to drizzle a bit more olive oil or add a few drops of water to loosen the ingredients. This will help to coat everything evenly, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and enjoyable.

Scaling the Recipe

This Walnut and Apple Salad recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on the number of servings required. For a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients while maintaining the same ratio of salad to dressing. However, it's best to dress the salad shortly before serving to maintain the texture of the greens. If you make a larger batch, consider serving the dressing on the side.

Conversely, if you're preparing a smaller version, you can cut the ingredients in half. I recommend keeping the amount of dressing the same to ensure the salad remains flavorful, especially if you have more robust greens. Adjust the seasoning to taste as needed, ensuring that the balance remains consistent.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, but it's best to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

→ What types of apples are best for this salad?

Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work wonderfully for their balance of sweetness and acidity.

→ Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative, and replace honey with agave syrup.

→ Can I use other nuts in this salad?

Of course! You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different taste and texture.