Description
This Fresh Apple Salad with Walnuts and Honey Dressing is a simple, vibrant, and crisp dish, perfect for busy weeknights. It offers a healthy and easy side that brings a delicious burst of flavor to any family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 medium crisp apples (like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and diced
- 1 cup (100g) walnuts, toasted
- 0.25 cup (60ml) honey
- 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash, core, and dice 3-4 medium apples (approx. 1.5 cm cubes). Do not peel, as it adds fiber and vibrant color.
- Toast Walnuts: Place 1 cup (100g) walnuts in a dry 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring until fragrant and slightly darker. Cool them to maintain crispness.
- Whisk Honey Dressing: In a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup (60ml) honey, 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, gently mix the prepared apples, cooled walnuts, and any optional additions (such as 0.5 cup (60g) diced celery, 0.25 cup (30g) dried cranberries, or 1 tbsp fresh parsley). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately for best crispness and flavor.
Notes
If apples start to brown, a quick toss with lemon juice can help keep them bright. Avoid over-dressing; add the honey dressing gradually until the salad is evenly coated. For the freshest salad, keep all components separate in airtight containers and combine just before serving to prevent sogginess. Substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts, or maple syrup or agave for honey for dietary variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (125 g)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, healthy, apple salad, walnuts, honey dressing, side dish, quick meal, family-friendly, meal prep, crisp apples