Autumn is officially here, and with it comes an array of delicious flavors that we can't resist. From warm apple cider to comforting butternut squash soups, it's a wonderful time to indulge in seasonal delights. To celebrate, I've crafted a delightful apple walnut salad that showcases the best of fall.

Even though October has just begun, I find myself excited for the upcoming holiday season. The turning leaves always spark my enthusiasm for festive decorations. However, this year, I'm reminding myself to enjoy the present and soak in all that fall has to offer.

This salad combines crisp apple slices, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and creamy goat cheese, making it a perfect representation of fall flavors. It's incredibly simple to prepare, taking just 15 minutes, and it's ideal for gatherings or meal prep for the week. Let's dive into the details!

apple-walnut-salad

Ingredients for Apple Walnut Salad

This salad is straightforward, requiring no complicated steps or unusual ingredients. Here's what you need to create a delicious apple walnut salad this fall.

Arugula. I enjoy the peppery flavor of arugula, which balances beautifully with the sweetness in this salad. While I haven't tried it with standard lettuce, dinosaur kale makes a fantastic alternative.

Apples. I eagerly await apple season every year. Although many argue about the best apple varieties for salads, I lean towards Honeycrisp apples for their exceptional juiciness.

Red onion. An ingredient that often flies under the radar. This recipe calls for thinly sliced raw red onions, but caramelizing them beforehand can enhance their sweetness and flavor.

Toasted walnuts. I prefer walnuts for their rich flavor and satisfying crunch.

Dried cranberries. These add a delightful sweetness. Soaking them in hot water beforehand makes them plumper and more enjoyable!

Goat cheese crumbles. The blend of goat cheese, walnuts, and apples is simply irresistible.

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Best Nuts for a Fall Salad?

Toasted nuts are a must for any fall salad. I opted for toasted walnuts in this recipe for added healthy fats and crunch. For an extra flavor kick, consider using candied walnuts. Here's how to make them:

  1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup walnuts, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing some syrup to drip onto the sheet.
  3. Lightly sprinkle with flaky salt and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, or until they're lightly caramelized. They'll crisp up as they cool.

While walnuts are my top choice, pecans work well too!

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Tips for Making This Apple Walnut Salad

This apple walnut salad is quick to prepare in 15 minutes. After chopping the ingredients, just mix the vinaigrette in a mason jar and combine everything in a bowl. If you want to elevate your salad-making game, consider these tips:

  1. Use a mandolin to slice your apples and red onions thinly.
  2. If prepping ahead, add the goat cheese and walnuts after dressing the salad to keep them from getting soggy.
  3. Toast walnuts in bulk and store them in a mason jar in the freezer for longer shelf life.
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Best Dressing for Apple Walnut Salad

Now for the best part: the dressing! You'll want to drizzle a maple cider vinaigrette on this salad. Made with maple syrup, olive oil, mustard, and apple cider vinegar, it's the ideal mix of tangy and sweet.

While honey is a popular sweetener for vinaigrettes, maple syrup's rich fall flavor is the perfect complement to this dish. Just shake or whisk the ingredients together. Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Description

Brimming with autumnal ingredients like apples, dried cranberries, and goat cheese, this apple walnut salad shines at fall gatherings.

Ingredients

for the salad:

  • 5 ounces arugula
  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (soak in hot water for 30 minutes before use)

for the maple cider vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Soak dried cranberries in hot water for 30 minutes and set aside.
  2. Combine arugula, sliced apples, red onion, and dried cranberries in a large bowl.
  3. For the vinaigrette, mix the ingredients in a blender or mason jar.
  4. Drizzle the maple cider vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
  5. Top with goat cheese and toasted walnuts, then enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
Apple Walnut Salad

Comments

  1. Lisa says: October 8, 2022 at 6:21 pm

    Hi! I'm about to prepare this salad! Just wanted to confirm, is it 1 tsp black pepper? That seems high! Thank you for the lovely website!

    Reply
    1. Isabelle Eyman says: October 13, 2022 at 10:48 am

      So glad you're making it! It's a delicious fall salad! We typically use 1 tsp, but starting with 1/4 tsp is a great idea if you prefer less spice.

      Reply
  2. Dottie says: October 27, 2022 at 11:07 am

    I made this for a luncheon yesterday. Everyone loved it!

    Reply
  3. dukes says: December 3, 2023 at 11:03 pm

    The recipe link isn't working.

    Reply
    1. Casey McKee says: December 5, 2023 at 11:49 am

      Sorry! We just launched a new site and were sorting out some issues. The recipe card is back in place now. Happy cooking!

      Reply
  4. Idajo says: March 18, 2025 at 10:03 pm

    This was so good, I made it two days in a row! Perfect for our holiday meal.

    ★★★★★

    Reply