Easy Apple Walnut Salad with Maple Balsamic Dressing

Some salads just hit the spot, and this Apple Walnut Salad is one of them. It’s cozy but fresh, crisp yet creamy—and it takes hardly any time to make. Whether you’re making lunch for one or serving guests at a fall dinner party, this salad brings a flavorful mix of sweet apples, earthy walnuts, and tangy cheeses tossed in a maple balsamic dressing you’ll want to put on everything.

As a mom who juggles a full schedule, I love how easy and crowd-pleasing this is. I can prep it in under 15 minutes and it always disappears from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Walnut Salad

• It’s so quick – Just slice, whisk, and toss.
• Delicious contrast of flavors – Sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy.
• Totally customizable – Swap the cheese, add protein, or mix in dried fruit.
• Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love the apples and maple flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad

• 6 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 golden delicious apple, thinly sliced
• 1 honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled

For the Maple Balsamic Dressing

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Tip: You can double the dressing and keep leftovers in the fridge for other salads.

How to Make Apple Walnut Salad

This salad is as easy as it gets. Here’s how I make it on busy weeknights:

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Rinse and dry the spinach.
2. Thinly slice the apples (I leave the skins on for color and texture).
3. Slice the onion and roughly chop the walnuts.

And for Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • Balsamic vinegar
   • Maple syrup
   • Olive oil
   • Dijon mustard
2. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Toss and Serve

1. In a large serving bowl, combine:
   • Spinach
   • Apples
   • Red onion
   • Walnuts
2. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
3. Sprinkle with goat cheese and blue cheese just before serving.

Optional: Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.

The Perfect Fall Salad for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch or packing lunch, this simple apple walnut salad fits right in. I especially love serving it with a warm soup or as part of a Thanksgiving spread. The maple dressing gives it that warm, autumnal vibe.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

This salad is super flexible. Here are a few ways to switch it up:

• Swap goat cheese with feta for a tangier bite
• Use candied pecans instead of plain walnuts
• Add dried cranberries or pomegranate arils for sweetness
• Try arugula or kale if you don’t have spinach
• Mix in cooked quinoa for a heartier version

Nutrition Notes

Curious about what’s inside this bowl? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C
• Walnuts: Packed with heart-healthy omega-3s
• Spinach: Full of iron, calcium, and antioxidants
• Maple syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth
• Cheese: A flavorful boost of calcium and fat (use moderately if watching calories)

Rough Estimate Per Serving:

• Calories: ~300-350
• Protein: 6-8g
• Carbs: 22-25g
• Fiber: 4-5g

FAQs About Apple Walnut Salad

What dressing goes with apple walnut salad?
A maple balsamic dressing complements the sweet and tangy notes perfectly.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Assemble everything except the dressing and cheese. Add them just before serving.

How long does it keep?
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a day.

Can I use different apples?
Totally! Fuji, gala, or pink lady apples all work well.

What can I serve with this salad?
Pair it with roasted chicken, butternut squash soup, or even a turkey sandwich.

More Recipes to Try

If you love this salad, check out these reader favorites:

• Apple Feta Spinach Salad – Another sweet-savory combo featuring fresh apples and creamy feta.
• Cranberry Apple Crisp – Perfect sweet treat to follow your salad.
• Maple Glazed Apple Blondies – Rich, gooey, and apple-packed.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Walnut Salad is proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring. It’s crisp, creamy, tangy, and sweet—all in one bite. Whether you’re eating clean or just craving a colorful salad with some serious flavor, this one’s for you.

If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment or tag me over on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/Ritzyrecipes/ 💚

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