Thanksgiving Apple Walnut Salad is crisp, refreshing, and full of autumn flavors. I remember my mother making it every year with crunchy apples, toasted walnuts, and a creamy dressing—it was always the light dish that balanced the richness of the Thanksgiving spread. Sweet apples, earthy nuts, and tangy dressing come together to create a side that feels both festive and wholesome.
Groceries
Ingredients
6 cups mixed greens (romaine, spinach, or arugula)
2 crisp apples, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
½ cup toasted walnuts
½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
½ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
¼ red onion, thinly sliced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, walnuts, cranberries, and red onion.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and serve immediately.
Substitutions
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
Use goat cheese instead of blue cheese for a milder creaminess.
Swap cranberries with pomegranate seeds for extra freshness.
For dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Equipment
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Storage
Refrigerator: Store undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended for fresh salads.
Reheating: Not applicable, but toast walnuts in advance for quick prep.
Top Tips
Dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Slice apples right before serving to keep them crisp.
Toast walnuts for deeper flavor.
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep all ingredients separately and toss just before serving.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Toss slices in lemon juice to preserve freshness.
Can I use bagged salad greens?
Yes, pre-washed greens are convenient and time-saving.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, simply use vegetarian-friendly cheese or omit it.