Mixed Greens and Apple Bowl (Printer-Friendly)

Crisp apples and mixed greens with walnuts, cheese, and homemade cider vinaigrette

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
02 - 2 medium apples (Gala or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
04 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
05 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
06 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries

→ Cider Vinaigrette

07 - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is fully emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple slices, walnuts, cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries.
03 - Drizzle the cider vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes, so you can make it on a busy workday without fussing.
  • The combination of sweet apples, salty cheese, and crunchy walnuts creates layers of texture you keep coming back for.
  • The cider vinaigrette tastes homemade and elegant but requires just whisking a handful of pantry staples.
02 -
  • Don't dress the salad more than a few minutes before serving, or the greens will become limp and lose their appeal.
  • If you're using Granny Smith apples, they'll stay crisp longer and won't brown as quickly, so they're your safest choice if you're prepping ahead.
03 -
  • Chill your salad bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes before assembling if you're working in a warm kitchen—cold greens stay crisp longer once dressed.
  • Toast your walnuts lightly in a dry pan for 3 minutes if you have time; it deepens their flavor and makes the whole salad taste more intentional.
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