Description
A fresh and flavorful Apple Walnut Salad combining crisp mixed greens, tart Granny Smith apple slices, creamy feta cheese, and crunchy toasted walnuts, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette with a hint of maple syrup and cayenne pepper. Perfect for a quick, light lunch or a festive side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens, roughly chopped (can also use baby spinach or romaine)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced
- ¼ cup pitted dates, chopped (omit for a lower carb option)
- ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts, toasted and chopped
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
- salt & ground black pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, honey, or apple jelly (use a sugar free jelly for a lower carb option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine maple syrup (or honey/apple jelly), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic clove, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth dressing and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced Granny Smith apple, chopped dates, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, finely diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is coated evenly according to your preference.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and ground black pepper to taste, toss lightly once more, and serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lower carb salad, omit the dates and use sugar-free apple jelly.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount for desired heat level or omit if preferred.
- Use fresh garlic or substitute with garlic powder if desired.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared up to an hour ahead and refrigerated; toss again before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 182 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
