Description
This Warm Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing is a cozy, fall-inspired dish combining sautéed apples, toasted walnuts, crisp greens, and a sweet-spiced maple vinaigrette. A 20-minute recipe perfect as a side or light main course.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and sliced
- 8 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 2 cups toasted walnuts
- 1 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Maple Dressing:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toast walnuts on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple slices in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and tender-crisp. Work in batches if needed. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Warm gently over low heat for 2–3 minutes until smooth. Do not boil.
- In a large bowl, layer greens, warm apples, walnuts, red onion, and goat cheese or feta if using.
- Drizzle with about 3/4 of the warm dressing and toss gently. Add more dressing if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- Top with grilled chicken or halloumi for a heartier meal.
- Add roasted squash or dried cranberries for more fall flavor.
- Swap walnuts for seeds for a nut-free option.
- Use vegan cheese and olive oil for a plant-based version.
- Don’t store fully assembled—keep components separate for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
