Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing

Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing: A Crisp, Nutty Symphony of Fall Flavors 🍏✨

1. Introduction

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like this Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing. This vibrant dish is a celebration of seasonal produce, combining the natural sweetness of fresh apples with the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, all brought together by a warm blend of spices and a luscious maple dressing. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch option, a festive side dish for your holiday table, or a nutritious snack to enjoy throughout the week, this spiced apple walnut salad delivers on all fronts with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.

What makes this salad truly special is its versatility. It’s equally at home at an elegant dinner party as it is in your afternoon snack rotation. The combination of ingredients creates a symphony of fall flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Inspired by traditional autumn harvest dishes and with a nod to modern vegan salad creations, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comforting and refreshing.

2. Ingredients

Gathering high-quality ingredients is key to making this spiced apple walnut salad truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended for their perfect balance of sweetness and crispness)
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (toasting them lightly will enhance their flavor)
• 4 cups mixed greens (a combination of spinach, arugula, and kale works beautifully)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (the warm spice that gives this salad its autumnal character)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (adds depth and complexity to the spice blend)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (for a subtle kick that complements the sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (essential for keeping the apples fresh and preventing browning)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (use pure maple syrup for the best flavor in your dressing)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin olive oil works best for dressings)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds the perfect tang to balance the sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip these – they help bring all the flavors together)

For those looking to expand their fall recipe repertoire, you might also enjoy our Stuffed Acorn Squash, which pairs beautifully with this salad for a complete autumn meal.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Walnuts

Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your apples. Using a sharp knife or apple corer, remove the cores and slice the apples into thin wedges (about 1/4-inch thick). Immediately toss the apple slices with lemon juice – this acidic bath will prevent oxidation and keep your apples looking fresh and vibrant. The lemon juice also adds a subtle brightness that complements the other flavors in this spiced apple walnut salad.

For the walnuts, give them a rough chop – you want pieces large enough to provide satisfying crunch but small enough to distribute evenly throughout the salad. If you have time, toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes will intensify their flavor and add another layer of texture to your dish. Just be sure to let them cool before adding to the salad.

Step 2: Toss with Spices

In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepared apple slices and walnuts. Now comes the magic – sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger evenly over the mixture. These warm spices are what transform this from a simple apple salad into a truly special spiced apple walnut salad that tastes like autumn in every bite.

Use clean hands or a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring each apple slice and walnut piece gets coated with the aromatic spice blend. As you mix, you’ll notice how the spices cling to the slightly damp apples, creating a beautifully seasoned base for your salad. The scent alone at this stage is incredible – warm, comforting, and distinctly seasonal.

If you’re enjoying this as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with our Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup for a perfectly balanced lunch or light dinner.

Step 3: Make the Maple Dressing

The maple dressing is what ties all the elements of this spiced apple walnut salad together. In a small bowl or jar, combine the maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. The maple syrup provides natural sweetness that complements the apples beautifully, while the vinegar adds necessary acidity to balance the flavors.

Whisk vigorously until the mixture emulsifies and becomes slightly thickened – about 30 seconds of whisking should do it. Season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – you might want an extra drizzle of maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter, or another splash of vinegar if you like it more tangy.

For those who enjoy experimenting with dressings, you might also like the flavors in our Avocado and Edamame Dip, which shares some similar flavor profiles.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the fun part – bringing all the components together! In a large serving bowl, arrange your mixed greens as the base. The greens provide a fresh, slightly peppery backdrop that allows the spiced apples and walnuts to shine. Scatter the spiced apple and walnut mixture evenly over the greens.

Just before serving, drizzle about three-quarters of the maple dressing over the salad. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss everything together, being careful not to bruise the delicate greens. The goal is to lightly coat everything with the dressing while maintaining the salad’s beautiful presentation.

Add the remaining dressing as needed – some people prefer their salads more lightly dressed than others. The finished spiced apple walnut salad should glisten with the maple dressing, with the warm spices creating an aromatic cloud that will have everyone at the table eager to dig in.

For a complete meal, consider serving this alongside our Protein-Packed Overnight Oats for breakfast or one of our hearty dinner options for a satisfying evening meal.

4. Serving Suggestions

This spiced apple walnut salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. For a light lunch, serve it as is or topped with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. It makes a stunning side dish for holiday meals – pair it with roasted turkey, baked ham, or your favorite vegetarian main course.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding some crumbled goat cheese or blue cheese, which pairs beautifully with the sweet apples and maple dressing. Dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate arils can add pops of color and additional sweetness. If you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread, it complements dishes like quiche or frittata perfectly.

For other creative serving ideas, check out our Avocado and Mango Salsa or Roasted Chickpeas for additional texture and flavor combinations.

5. Storage Tips

While this spiced apple walnut salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time to make assembly quicker. Store the sliced apples (tossed with lemon juice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The maple dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator – just give it a good shake or whisk before using.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container with a piece of paper towel to absorb excess moisture. The greens will wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious the next day. For the best texture, consider storing the components separately and assembling individual portions as needed.

6. Health Benefits

This spiced apple walnut salad isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with nutritional benefits too! Apples provide a good source of dietary fiber (about 4 grams per medium apple) and vitamin C, while the walnuts offer heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The mixed greens contribute various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate.

The maple dressing provides natural sweetness without refined sugars, and the olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats. Together, these ingredients create a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall health. The combination of fiber from the apples and greens with healthy fats from the walnuts and olive oil helps keep you feeling satisfied longer.

For another nutritious snack option, try our Frozen Yogurt Bark, which makes a great healthy dessert or afternoon pick-me-up.

7. Variations

One of the best things about this spiced apple walnut salad is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or what you have on hand:

• Fruit variations: Try adding thinly sliced pears or a handful of fresh berries for additional fruit flavors
• Nut alternatives: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can stand in for the walnuts with equally delicious results
• Cheese additions: Crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan add a lovely savory element
• Greens options: Baby kale, radicchio, or butter lettuce can replace or complement the mixed greens
• Protein boosts: Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa to make it more substantial
• Dressing variations: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne for extra complexity

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple? Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work beautifully in this spiced apple walnut salad, feel free to experiment. Granny Smith apples add a lovely tart contrast to the sweet dressing, while Gala apples offer a milder flavor. Just avoid very soft apples that might break down too much when tossed.

Can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prepare the components up to a day in advance, but for the best texture, assemble the salad just before serving. The apples will soften slightly and the greens may wilt if dressed too far in advance.

Is there a nut-free alternative? For those with nut allergies, try toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for similar crunch without the nuts. You could also omit them entirely and add some crispy roasted chickpeas instead.

Can I make this salad vegan? This recipe is naturally vegan as written! Just be sure to check that your maple syrup is 100% pure and not processed with animal products (some cheaper syrups are).

9. Conclusion

This Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors. From the crisp bite of fresh apples to the satisfying crunch of toasted walnuts, every element works in harmony to create a salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The warm spices and sweet maple dressing tie everything together in a way that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, this spiced apple walnut salad is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your recipe rotation. Its beautiful presentation makes it perfect for entertaining, while its simple preparation makes it easy enough for everyday meals. Plus, with all the possible variations, you can enjoy it multiple times without it ever feeling repetitive.

We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to ours. For more seasonal inspiration, explore our collection of lunch recipes and healthy snacks that celebrate fresh, flavorful ingredients all year round.

Print