Description
A crisp and refreshing Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad featuring crunchy apples, toasted walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and mixed greens, all tossed in a simple vinaigrette. Perfect as a light main dish or a flavorful side.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens (spring mix, arugula, or spinach)
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
- ½ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts: In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for about 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, crumbled blue cheese, toasted walnuts, dried cranberries (if using), and thinly sliced red onion.
- Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the greens or apples.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to maintain the crispness of the apples and freshness of the greens.
Notes
- Swap walnuts for pecans for a sweeter crunch.
- Use pears instead of apples for a tasty variation.
- Best served immediately to keep apples crisp; toss apple slices in lemon juice if preparing ahead to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
