Apple Walnut Lettuce Salad

This Apple Walnut Lettuce Salad is a refreshing, crisp, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of sweet and savory flavors. Crunchy lettuce provides a fresh base, sliced apples add natural sweetness, and toasted walnuts bring a rich, nutty crunch.

The honey mustard dressing ties everything together with a perfect balance of tang and sweetness.

Ideal for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or a quick and healthy lunch, this salad is nutrient-packed and full of texture. Serve it as a light side dish or add protein for a more filling meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crisp & Crunchy: The combination of lettuce, apples, and walnuts creates the perfect bite.
2. Naturally Sweet & Tangy: The honey mustard dressing enhances the flavors.
3. Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes with minimal prep.
4. Versatile & Customizable: Works as a side dish or a base for proteins like chicken or tofu.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: Apples stay crisp, and the dressing can be stored separately.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Salad:

1. Lettuce: Romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens for a crisp base.
2. Apples: Sliced thin for sweetness—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best.
3. Walnuts: Toasted for added crunch and depth of flavor.
4. Red Onion: A mild sharpness to balance the sweetness.
5. Feta or Goat Cheese (Optional): Adds a creamy, tangy contrast.

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

1. Olive Oil: The base for a smooth, rich dressing.
2. Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and a hint of spice.
3. Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness to balance the mustard.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens up the flavors with a slight tang.
5. Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the ingredients.

Yield: Serves 2-4

Apple Walnut Lettuce Salad

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A crisp lettuce salad with sweet apples, toasted walnuts, and a tangy honey mustard dressing for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 4 cups lettuce, chopped (romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens)
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted & chopped
• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Toast the Walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
   Toast walnuts for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
2. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad: Toss lettuce, sliced apples, walnuts, and red onion in a large bowl. Add feta or goat cheese (if using).
   Drizzle with the honey mustard dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Notes

1. Make It Nut-Free: Swap walnuts for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
2. Make It Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey and omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
3. For Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
4. Make It More Filling: Serve with quinoa, farro, or whole grains.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

2-4
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 220Total Fat: 14gCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 4gProtein: 5g

Best Ways to Serve This Salad

1. As a Side Dish: Perfect with roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or pasta dishes.
2. With Soup: Pairs well with butternut squash or tomato soup.
3. As a Light Lunch: Enjoy with a slice of whole-grain toast or avocado toast.
4. For Holiday Meals: A festive salad is great for Thanksgiving or Christmas menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping it up

This Apple Walnut Lettuce Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy honey mustard dressing, it’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients.

Try it today and enjoy a light, healthy salad full of seasonal flavors!