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15-Minute Apple Walnut Salad

Jessica T. Brown
A crisp, colorful salad with fresh apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy blue cheese, and maple-dijon vinaigrette.
Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s nutrient-rich, satisfying, and perfect for everyday meals or entertaining.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Equipment

  • 1 Salad spinner
  • 1 Chef’s Knife
  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Small whisking bowl
  • 1 Set of salad tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups mixed greens
  • 3 Cosmic Crisp apples cored and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup blue cheese crumbled
  • 1 ½ cups walnut halves
  • 1 ½ cups thin bread croutons large pieces or squares
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dressing Base: In a small mixing bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
    Whisk steadily until the mustard dissolves fully and the mixture looks smooth and golden.
    This base gives the vinaigrette its tangy-sweet balance, so take your time blending for a silky consistency before moving on.
  • Emulsify the Vinaigrette: Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously.
    This technique helps the oil blend seamlessly with the vinegar mixture, creating a light, creamy dressing instead of a separated liquid.
    Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then taste and adjust if you prefer a sharper, sweeter, or milder profile.
  • Assemble the Salad Greens: In a large serving bowl, add the mixed greens, making sure they are completely dry for the freshest crunch.
    Layer in the thinly sliced Cosmic Crisp apples and scatter the walnut halves evenly throughout.
    Pour about two-thirds of the vinaigrette over the top, then gently toss with tongs to coat everything lightly without bruising the delicate greens.
  • Add Final Garnishes and Serve: Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese evenly across the salad, followed by the croutons for extra crunch and heartiness.
    Give the salad one last gentle toss so the toppings are distributed but not crushed.
    Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls, then drizzle on a little more dressing if desired.
    Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use Cosmic Crisp apples for their natural sweetness and firm bite, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great substitutes.
  • Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for extra flavor and crunch.
  • Swap blue cheese with feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan if you prefer a milder taste.
  • Homemade croutons made from rustic bread add more texture and flavor than store-bought ones.
  • Always dress the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.