Description
This Apple Walnut Salad is a fresh and vibrant combination of mixed greens, crisp Granny Smith apples, sweet dates and cranberries, toasted walnuts, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty apple cider vinaigrette with a hint of cayenne, it's a quick, flavorful, and nutritious salad perfect for holiday meals or a light lunch, ready in just 15 minutes.
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
- 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 lower carb option)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup (or honey/apple jelly), apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper until well combined to form the salad dressing. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced Granny Smith apple, chopped dates, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, diced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly as desired.
- Season and Serve: Finally, season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
- To reduce carbohydrates, omit the dates and substitute sugar-free apple jelly in the dressing.
- Toast the walnuts lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the diced red onions in cold water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or can be enjoyed as a light vegetarian meal on its own.
- For extra zest, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
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
