Harvest Apple Walnut Salad with Mapledijon Vinaigrette

Easy Fall Salads Harvest Apple Walnut Delight

By Emma ClarkeSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Craving Autumn?

Fancy a bit of fall salads goodness? Me too! This Harvest Apple & Walnut Salad is where it's at. Honestly, it's like autumn in a bowl.

Think crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a killer Maple Dijon vinaigrette . You know? The kind of salad that actually feels like a treat!

A Bit About This Beauty

This salad is basically a hug from autumn. It's got that cozy feel. It's super simple. It hails from wanting something fresh but hearty.

The apple walnut salad combo is a total winner. This recipe makes enough for 4-6 people. It's ready in about 25 minutes.

Even I can manage that!

Why You'll Love This Fall Salad

This isn't just any salad. The walnuts are packed with healthy fats. That's a bonus. Serve this up for a light lunch or at your next get-together.

It's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Plus, it's so colourful! Who wouldn't want a bit of that on their plate? It is a great way to enjoy Seasonal autumn salads .

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted like a proper Sunday roast.

What You Need to Make This Fall Salad

Let's talk ingredients, shall we? Here’s the shopping list for my fall harvest bowl :

5 oz mixed greens
2 medium apples
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts
4 oz goat cheese (or feta, if you fancy)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper

Honestly, the maple dijon vinaigrette is the star of the show. But the combination of everything? Divine. It's simple and uses common ingredients. Easy peasy!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted like a proper Sunday roast. We are talking about that time of year when you fancy something a bit more substantial than a garden salad, but you're not quite ready to hibernate with a shepherd's pie.

Main Players for Amazing Fall Salads

For the Salad:

5 oz ( 142g ) Mixed Greens: Quality is key. Get the freshest spring mix you can find.
2 medium Apples: Like Honeycrisp, cored and diced. That is about 1 ½ cups . Choose firm apples!
½ cup ( 57g ) Dried Cranberries: Gives it that lovely autumnal sweetness.
½ cup ( 57g ) Walnuts: Roughly chopped, for a bit of crunch, you know? Toast those puppies!
4 oz ( 113g ) Crumbled Goat Cheese: (Optional) If you fancy it. A lovely creamy addition.

For that Smashing Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best, yeah?
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a nice tang, don't you think?
1 tablespoon Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is essential, alright?
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of oomph!
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice: Brightens it all up.
¼ teaspoon Salt: Just a pinch.
⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground, if you can.

Seasoning Notes for Fall Salad with Cranberries

This isn't just any salad dressing. It's all about the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The maple syrup and Dijon mustard are the heart of this dressing.

You can sub honey for maple syrup. I like a bit of lemon juice to cut through the richness.

Bits & Bobs: Equipment Needed

Large Salad Bowl: To toss everything together.
Small Bowl: For the vinaigrette.
Whisk: To get that dressing nice and emulsified.
Small Skillet or Baking Sheet: To toast the walnuts, simple right?
Chopping Board: Standard.
Knife: A good sharp one.

You can toast those walnuts in a pan or in the oven at 350° F (175° C ) for 3- 5 minutes . Keep an eye on them!

The maple dijon vinaigrette makes this easy fall salad recipe truly sing. I remember trying a similar dressing at a farmer's market once. Honestly, I just had to recreate it.

Give those autumn salad recipes a go!

Let's Sort This! Autumn Flavours, Sorted

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted like a proper Sunday roast. I'm talking about the Harvest Apple & Walnut Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette .

This isn’t just any salad; it's the fall salad to beat all fall salads. Honestly, you know? Forget those boring lettuce bowls this is autumn on a plate .

We are talking about all the Harvest salad recipes , Apple walnut salad with Maple Dijon vinaigrette . This will be your go-to of Autumn salad recipes with Fall salad with cranberries , also a great as a Fall harvest bowl , perfect to enjoy Seasonal autumn salads with Apple cider vinaigrette salad , full of delicious Goat cheese fall salad , that will be the Easy fall salad recipes

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised!

Essential Mise en Place: First things first, chop your apples (Honeycrisp or Gala are banging), measure out your cranberries, and roughly chop your walnuts. Honestly, good prep is half the battle.
Time Saving Tips: Whisk up that vinaigrette ahead of time. It'll save you a frantic five minutes later, and the flavors actually get better as they sit. Boom!
Safety Reminder: Watch those knives! We don't want any finger salad.

step-by-step: As Easy as Pie!

Toast those walnuts: Really important step . 350° F ( 175° C) for 3- 5 minutes . Keep an eye on them, they burn easily.
Vinaigrette Time: Whisk together your olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk like you mean it!
Green Scene: Dump your mixed greens into a big salad bowl.
Apple Action: Add your diced apples and dried cranberries.
Walnut Wonders: Toss in those toasted walnuts.
Dress to Impress: Drizzle with the vinaigrette. Don't drown it!
Goat Cheese Gorgeousness: Sprinkle with goat cheese (if you're feeling fancy).
Serve Immediately: Dig in!

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Salad Game

Toast Those Nuts! Okay, toasting the walnuts? Massive difference. Brings out the nutty flavor. Don't skip it .
Overdressing Alert: Go easy on the vinaigrette. A little goes a long way. You want to enhance the flavours, not drown them.
make-ahead Magic: The vinaigrette can be made a day or two ahead. The whole salad? Nah, it'll get soggy.

Right then, there you have it. A super simple, super tasty Fall Salad that even the most novice cook can nail.

Go on, give it a go. You might just surprise yourself. And hey, if it all goes wrong, just blame the apples.

Recipe Notes: Ace-ing That Fall Salad, Yeah?

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted like a proper Sunday roast. Before you dive headfirst into this harvest salad recipe , let's run through some tips and tricks.

Honestly, I learnt these the hard way so you don't have to.

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Posh

Fancy making your Fall Salad look like it came straight out of a magazine? Oh my gosh. Then try this! Presentation is key, you know? I like to layer my salad in a bowl.

First, greens, then apple, walnuts, cranberries, and then a cheeky sprinkle of goat cheese.

A simple apple walnut salad looks amazing on a big platter. The contrasting colours just pop ! For sides, a grilled chicken breast or some crusty bread works a treat.

To drink? I always have apple cider with this! It’s the perfect autumn pairing, like chips and gravy!

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Nobody wants soggy lettuce. Am I right? If you have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately. The greens can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

This keeps them perky! Honestly, I wouldn’t freeze this salad it just won't be the same.

The maple dijon vinaigrette , though, can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good shake before you use it, as it can separate.

Variations: Spicing Things Up

Fancy a change? Switch it up. Not feeling the goat cheese? Feta works just as well. You could also add roasted butternut squash for a sweeter kick.

For a vegan option, ditch the cheese altogether or use vegan feta. For a different flavour, use pears instead of apples!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This autumn salad recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you too! Each serving is about 250 calories. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats and carbs.

Apples and cranberries provide antioxidants. Walnuts are a great source of Omega-3s.

Remember that estimate is based on 6 servings with goat cheese: Calories: 250, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 12g, Sodium: 200mg.

Honestly, this salad is a winner. It's easy, delicious, and good for you. Give it a go and let me know what you think.

What are you waiting for? Go get some delicious fall salads !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this fall salad ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee like that!

You certainly can! The vinaigrette can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge in fact, the flavours actually meld together even better that way. However, it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the greens from getting soggy. Nobody wants a sad, wilted salad!

I'm not a fan of goat cheese. What can I substitute in this fall salads recipe?

No worries, mate! Feta cheese works great as a substitute for goat cheese, giving you a similar salty and tangy flavour. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can use a vegan "feta" or simply leave the cheese out altogether. The apples, cranberries, and walnuts provide plenty of flavor and texture on their own.

Help! My walnuts always burn when I try to toast them. What's the secret?

Ah, the dreaded burnt walnuts! The key is low and slow. Whether you're using a skillet or the oven, keep the heat relatively low and stir or flip the walnuts frequently. They're done when they're fragrant and lightly browned, usually within 3-5 minutes.

Keep a close eye on them they can go from golden to burnt in a flash!

What are some good variations I can make to these fall salads? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!

Feeling adventurous, eh? Good on ya! Try adding roasted butternut squash for extra warmth and sweetness. Pears can be used instead of apples for a slightly different flavour profile. You could also try adding some grilled chicken or salmon for a more substantial meal. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!

How long will leftover fall salads last, and what's the best way to store them?

Leftover dressed salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the vinaigrette will cause the greens to wilt over time. However, if you have undressed salad, store the greens, apples, cranberries, and walnuts separately in an airtight container in the fridge.

The vinaigrette should also be stored separately in a jar or container. This will help keep the salad fresh for up to 24 hours.

Is this fall salad recipe actually healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?

You bet your bottom dollar it is! This fall salad is packed with nutrients from the mixed greens, apples, cranberries, and walnuts. It's a good source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. Just be mindful of the amount of vinaigrette you use, as it can add extra calories and sugar.

And remember, goat cheese is delicious but contributes to the fat content! Nutritional information is included in the recipe so you can keep track, just like counting sheep!