Description
A fresh and colorful apple salad featuring crisp greens, sweet fruit, creamy feta, and crunchy candied walnuts, all tossed in a smooth and lightly sweet poppy seed dressing.
Ingredients
- Salad:
- 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 6 ounces spring mix
- 2 ounces arugula
- 2 medium crisp apples, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium avocado, thinly sliced
- Candied Walnuts:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the candied walnuts by heating walnuts, butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 3–5 minutes until coated. Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine, spring mix, and arugula.
- Add sliced apples, dried cranberries, red onion, feta cheese, avocado, and cooled candied walnuts on top.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving or toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Toss apples in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Prepare candied walnuts in advance and store for up to 1 week.
- Store dressing in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Assemble salad just before serving to avoid soggy greens.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Keep components separate if storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
