Apple, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad: Crisp, Tangy, and Irresistibly Fresh
This Apple, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad is the perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, creamy, and savory. Juicy apples pair beautifully with earthy walnuts and tangy blue cheese, all tossed in a light vinaigrette that ties the flavors together. Simple yet elegant, it’s a salad that can elevate any meal.
This salad draws inspiration from the timeless pairing of fruit, nuts, and cheese that has been a favorite in European kitchens for centuries.
The crispness of apples contrasts perfectly with the bold creaminess of blue cheese, while toasted walnuts add depth and crunch.
It’s a versatile dish—equally at home as a quick weekday lunch, a refreshing side for dinner, or even a festive starter for holiday gatherings. Bursting with flavor and texture, it’s a salad you’ll want to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Comes together in under 15 minutes.
- Nutritious: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite.
- Customizable: Swap apples, nuts, or cheese to suit your taste.
- Elegant yet simple: Perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Apple, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 crisp apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens arugula, spinach, or spring mix
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese Gorgonzola or Roquefort work well; feta can be used as a milder substitute
- ½ cup walnuts toasted (pecans or almonds can be substituted)
- ¼ small red onion thinly sliced (optional, for extra bite)
- ½ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds optional, for added sweetness and color
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup adjust for sweetness
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
- Toast the walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble the salad base: Place mixed greens in a large salad bowl or serving platter.
- Layer ingredients: Arrange sliced apples evenly over the greens. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced red onions. If using, add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and flavor.
- Dress and toss: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to coat everything lightly, ensuring the apples and greens glisten with dressing.
- Serve immediately: The salad should be crisp, fresh, and colorful, with creamy blue cheese melting slightly against the warm crunch of toasted walnuts.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Apple swaps: Use pears for a softer, sweeter twist, or tart Granny Smith apples for extra tang.
- Nut options: Swap walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even candied nuts for more sweetness.
- Cheese alternatives: For a milder flavor, use feta or goat cheese instead of blue cheese.
- Vegan version: Replace blue cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can store the salad (undressed) in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.
- No reheating: This is a fresh salad, so reheating is not recommended.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairings: Serve alongside roast chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty pasta for a complete meal.
- As a starter: Works beautifully as a first course for dinner parties or holiday feasts.
- With bread: Pair with warm crusty bread or a baguette to soak up the dressing.
- Drinks: Complements crisp white wines (like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay) or sparkling water with lemon.
- Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners, festive holiday spreads, or as a refreshing summer salad for picnics and potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes—prepare the greens, toast the nuts, and mix the dressing in advance. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Q: Can I freeze this salad?
No, fresh greens and apples don’t freeze well. The texture would become soggy.
Q: How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss apple slices with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad to maintain their color and freshness.
Q: Can I make it more filling?
Yes—add grilled chicken, quinoa, or farro to turn this salad into a hearty main dish.
