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Apple Walnut Salad with an Herbed Lemony Dressing⠀
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A Note from Feedfeed
This apple walnut salad recipe is filled with thinly sliced apples, crunchy vegetables, and nuts and dressed in a bright, citrusy vinaigrette! You can skip the feta to keep this vegan, or add some protein like grilled chicken to give this salad more oomph!
Recipe Description
This apple walnut salad is perfect for any time of the year, but it shines exceptionally bright in the spring and summer when crisp, refreshing flavors are especially welcome.
For a light and healthy meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great side dish for a picnic or barbecue, complementing sandwiches, burgers, or grilled vegetables. This salad is a delightful blend of crisp apple, aromatic fennel, and zesty red onion, all brought together with a tangy lemon dressing. It's a great way to use any leftover apples or fennel. The bright freshness of this salad reminds me of sunny days and picnic times in the park.
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- Apple Walnut Salad with an Herbed Lemony Dressing Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Apple Walnut Salad with an Herbed Lemony Dressing Ingredients
Everything you need to make apple walnut salad.
Green Apple: Green apples offer a crisp, slightly tart flavor that complements the salad's other ingredients. If they are unavailable, you can substitute them with any type of apple that is crisp and slightly tart apple, like Granny Smith.
Fennel: Fennel has a unique anise-like flavor and crisp texture. If you can't find fennel, celery stalks can substitute for a similar crunch and mild flavor.
Feta Cheese: The feta cheese is optional but adds a creamy and salty contrast to the salad. Feel free to omit or substitute with another cheese, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or shaved Manchego.
Test Kitchen Notes
Apple, Fennel, and Red Onion Slicing: Slice the apple, fennel, and red onion thinly to ensure they blend well with the salad greens. A mandoline slicer works best for this.
Lemon Juice for the Apple: The lemon juice adds flavor and helps prevent the apple from browning.
Toasting Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add excellent flavor and crunch to the salad. Be careful not to burn them; toast in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently until fragrant.
Other Add-ins: Add different cheeses to the salad and mix in dried cranberries or raisins. Play with different vinegars in the dressing, such as apple cider vinegar or a balsamic vinaigrette.
FAQs
What kind of apple should I use in a salad?
For salads, it's best to use crisp and slightly tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well. These apples add a nice crunch and a refreshing flavor to the salad.
How do you keep apple slices from turning brown in a salad?
You can toss apple slices in a salad with a little lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. The acid in the lemon juice helps slow down the oxidation process that causes browning. Alternatively, you can submerge the apple slices in a bowl of lightly salted water for a few minutes, then drain and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
Can I prepare the salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just shake it or stir it before using it on the salad.
How long can I store the assembled salad in the refrigerator?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, adding the dressing and garnishes just before serving is best to maintain freshness and texture.
Prep time 15mins
Cook time 15mins
Serves or Makes: 4
Recipe Card
For the Salad
ingredients
- 1 (5 ounce) box tender salad greens (such as red leaf lettuce)⠀
- 1 green apple, very thinly sliced
- 1 small bulb of fennel, shaved thin
- 1/4 of a small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, for topping
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional), for topping
For the Salad Dressing
ingredients
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper⠀
- 1 teaspoon grainy mustard
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Method
Step 1
Place the salad greens in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 2
Add the sliced apple, fennel, and red onion to a medium-sized bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 3
Combine the dressing ingredients: 2 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, sea salt, maple syrup or honey, and parsley in a small jar or bowl.
Step 4
Shake or whisk together until well combined. Taste and adjust the salt, maple syrup, and honey if desired.
Step 5
When ready to serve, top salad greens with apples, fennel, and red onion. Toss the salad with the dressing and finish with toasted walnuts, feta cheese, and extra parsley. Enjoy immediately.