Is your salad routine feeling a little tired? What if we told you that adding just a few vibrant, crunchy ingredients could completely transform your next bowl into a gourmet experience? This Crispy Apple Walnut Salad isn’t just healthy—it’s a flavor-packed power bowl that challenges the bland salad stereotype. With a dynamic mix of textures and a balance of sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors, this salad has quickly become a favorite in kitchens across the world.
Within the first bite, you’ll get the crisp snap of fresh apples, the creamy tang of feta, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. And yes, the Crispy Apple Walnut Salad delivers on both taste and nutrition—making it an ideal dish for lunch, light dinners, or entertaining guests. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
- 1 red apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred)
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prep Your Greens
Rinse and dry the spinach or greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl to create your base.
Step 2: Add Crunch and Color
Layer on the red cabbage and julienned carrots. These ingredients bring both texture and a boost of antioxidants.
Step 3: Slice the Apple
Thinly slice your apple just before assembling to keep it fresh. Arrange the slices neatly over the greens.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Walnuts and Feta
Add the walnuts and feta cheese evenly across the salad for richness and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly and serve immediately.
Variations
- Vegan Option: Swap feta for a plant-based cheese or tofu crumbles.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to make it a heartier meal.
- Seasonal Touch: Use pears instead of apples in the fall, or strawberries in the summer.
- Nut-Free: Replace walnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Cooking Note
- Always slice apples right before serving to prevent browning.
- Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor—just a few minutes in a dry skillet will do.
- If meal-prepping, store dressing separately to avoid soggy greens.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with:
- A bowl of butternut squash soup for a comforting autumn lunch.
- Grilled salmon or tofu steaks for dinner.
- Fresh artisan bread or whole grain crackers on the side.
Add a chilled glass of sparkling water with lemon or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing finish!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep It Crisp: Store the dressing separately and add it just before eating.
- Prepping Ahead: Chop vegetables and store them separately. Apples should be sliced fresh.
Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 large servings or 4 side servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 6 grams
Sodium: 220 mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use low-fat feta or goat cheese for a lighter option.
- Substitute walnuts with almonds for fewer calories.
- Swap honey with agave syrup for a lower glycemic index.
- Add avocado for healthy fats and creaminess without cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing the Salad: Too much dressing can wilt the greens and overpower flavors.
- Using Soft Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for best texture.
- Skipping Toasting Nuts: Toasted nuts add depth—don’t skip this simple step.
- Mixing Too Early: Always add the dressing just before serving to preserve crunch.
Conclusion
This Crispy Apple Walnut Salad is proof that healthy can also mean incredibly delicious. With its perfect blend of sweet and savory, creamy and crunchy, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by swapping in your favorite seasonal ingredients or proteins.
Ready to bring more color and crunch into your meals? Try this salad today and tag us with your creations! Explore our other salad inspirations to keep your bowl exciting and nourishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use green apples instead of red?
Yes! Green apples like Granny Smith add a tart contrast, which can be refreshing. Just note that they’re less sweet.
2. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Keep all components separate and assemble before eating. Store the dressing in a jar for convenience.
Crispy Apple Walnut Salad with Feta & Cabbage
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 large or 4 side servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring crispy apples, walnuts, feta, and shredded vegetables with a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
4 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
1 red apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Fuji preferred)
1/2 cup red cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Optional: 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Rinse and dry the spinach or greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Layer on the red cabbage and julienned carrots.
3. Thinly slice your apple and arrange the slices over the greens.
4. Add the walnuts and feta cheese evenly across the salad.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss lightly.
Notes
Slice apples just before serving to prevent browning.
Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor.
Store the dressing separately if making ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Crispy Apple Walnut Salad, Apple Feta Salad, Autumn Salad, Healthy Salad Recipe