Apple salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the crispness of fresh apples with a variety of complementary ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish, a light lunch, or a dish to impress your guests, this apple salad recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with nutrients, fiber, and a touch of sweetness, this salad is not only tasty but also incredibly nutritious.
Ingredients:
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
• 1 cup of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or lettuce)
• ½ cup of red grapes (halved)
• ¼ cup of walnuts (chopped)
• ¼ cup of dried cranberries
• ¼ cup of feta cheese (crumbled)
• ½ cup of celery (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup of red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
• Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them into thin slices or cubes. Leave the skin on for added nutrition and color.
• Place the apple slices in a bowl and toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the mixed greens as the base of the salad.
• Add the sliced apples, red grapes, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts to the bowl.
• Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a rich and creamy texture.
• In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss all the ingredients to ensure even coating.
• Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
• Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer, side dish, or light meal.
This apple salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your preference. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein, or swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and tangy feta cheese creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Not only is this salad visually appealing, but it is also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to a balanced diet. Whether you serve it at a family gathering, picnic, or as a quick weekday meal, this apple salad is guaranteed to impress.