Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Winter Apple Walnut Salad! It’s like a burst of freshness on a chilly day, and I can’t get enough of it! The crunchy apples pair beautifully with the nutty walnuts, making every bite a delightful experience. I love how the mixed greens add that perfect touch of vibrancy, and the crumbled feta? Wow, it just elevates the entire salad! It’s a fantastic option not only as a side dish but also as a light main course when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to whip this up for gatherings or even just for yourself—it’s that good! Plus, it comes together in no time, so you can enjoy all that fresh goodness without any fuss!
Ingredients List
- 2 apples, diced (any variety you love!)
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (toasted for extra flavor, if you like)
- 4 cups mixed greens (a lovely mix of colors and textures)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (for that creamy, salty goodness)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for the best taste)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds a nice tang)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this for flavor!)
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this Winter Apple Walnut Salad ready is a breeze! Let’s dive into the steps so you can enjoy this crunchy delight in no time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First things first, wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. I love using a salad spinner for this—it really gets the excess water off!
- Next, grab your apples and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about the size too much; just make sure they’re manageable for munching!
- Now it’s time to chop those walnuts! If you haven’t toasted them yet, I highly recommend it. Just pop them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant. Yum!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. This is where the magic starts to happen—just look at those colors!
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. I like to give it a good mix until it’s well combined.
- Drizzle that delicious dressing over your salad and toss everything gently together. Be careful not to bruise the greens—just a light toss will do!
- Finally, serve immediately and enjoy the crunch and flavor explosion!
Nutritional Information Section
Okay, let’s talk about the nutrition in this Winter Apple Walnut Salad! Now, I want to be upfront—nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so the following values are just typical estimates. But here’s what you can generally expect per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keep in mind that these numbers can shift a bit based on how you prepare the salad—like if you decide to add more toppings or switch up the ingredients. So, feel free to adjust based on what works best for you and your dietary needs! Enjoy this wholesome salad without any guilt; it’s all about fresh, crunchy goodness here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 15 minutes!
- Fresh, crunchy ingredients that brighten up any meal.
- Packed with healthy fats from walnuts and nutrients from apples.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side or a light main dish.
- Deliciously satisfying with the perfect balance of flavors.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts, greens, or cheeses!
Tips for Success
To make your Winter Apple Walnut Salad truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always choose fresh, crisp apples; they make a world of difference in flavor. I love using a mix of sweet and tart varieties for that perfect balance! When it comes to walnuts, toasting them enhances their nuttiness—so don’t skip this step! Also, be gentle when tossing the salad; you want to keep those greens looking vibrant and not bruised. Finally, I recommend making the dressing just before serving for the freshest taste. Enjoy the crunch and flavors that come together so beautifully!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this Winter Apple Walnut Salad! For nuts, try using pecans or hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile. You could even toss in some candied nuts for a sweet crunch! When it comes to cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese can add a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the apples. And don’t forget about the greens—mix it up with kale or spinach for a heartier base. You can also add in some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and sweetness. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
This Winter Apple Walnut Salad is so versatile, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes! For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. The juicy, savory flavors of the protein complement the crunchiness of the salad beautifully. If you’re looking for something vegetarian, try pairing it with a warm quinoa dish or a hearty vegetable soup—both add warmth and comfort on a chilly day. And don’t forget about bread! A slice of crusty artisan bread or some warm dinner rolls make for a delightful accompaniment. You really can’t go wrong with this fresh salad on your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your Winter Apple Walnut Salad is super easy! Just pop any remaining salad into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days, but I recommend enjoying it right away for the best crunch and flavor! Now, if you find yourself with leftovers, keep in mind that the greens may wilt a bit as they sit. So, if you’re saving it for later, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before you’re ready to eat.
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy greens.
What type of apples should I use?
Any variety you love works great! I recommend a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to throw in some dried cranberries, different nuts, or even some grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just keep in mind that the greens might wilt a bit over time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Winter Apple Walnut Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities!
Check out this autumn harvest salad for more seasonal inspiration!
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Winter Apple Walnut Salad: 7 Reasons to Love This Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and crunchy winter salad with apples and walnuts.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mixed greens.
- Dice the apples and chop the walnuts.
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apples, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use any variety of apple you prefer.
- Toast the walnuts for added flavor.
- Can be served as a side or main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Winter Apple Walnut Salad