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Apple Walnut Salad

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A delightful journey of flavors featuring apples, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 red or green apples, quartered, seeds removed, finely sliced
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • 3–4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 6 cups mixed salad greens and arugula
  • ½ red onion, finely sliced
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled (garnish, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted walnut halves or pieces
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple butter (or apple sauce, optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried garlic or 1 minced fresh garlic clove
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or sage

Instructions

  1. Prep the Apples: Begin by quartering your apples, removing the seeds, and slicing them thinly. In a medium bowl, toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice to keep that beautiful color. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until crispy. Once done, let it cool on paper towels. Crumble it once it’s cool enough to handle.
  3. Candy the Walnuts: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Stir in the sugar, a pinch of salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Add the walnut halves and toss them in the sugar mixture until they’re coated. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are golden and fragrant. Spread them on parchment paper to cool.
  4. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, add apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, optional apple butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until combined.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine your salad greens, sliced apples, red onion, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, and pumpkin seeds.
  6. Add the Walnuts: Once cooled, sprinkle your candied walnuts over the top.
  7. Dress it Up: Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss gently to combine.
  8. Top with Cheese: If you’re using feta or goat cheese, sprinkle it on top before serving.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with turkey bacon or leave it out entirely. This salad can easily be made ahead of time.

Nutrition

Keywords: salad, apple, walnut, healthy, recipe

Find it online: https://flavorvia.com/apple-walnut-salad/