Apple, Walnut & Blue Cheese Salad
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.
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.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!