This Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Almond Dressing is a great addition to your lunch or dinner meal.
Even though it is finally October, and #pumpkineverything is all the rage, let’s take a break from the squash for just a hot second and dive into apples. Because you just can’t beat seasonal apples.
This Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Almond Dressing is a great way to change up your salad routine. I, for one, am a HUGE fan of salads. I pretty much have one every day, so for me it is important that I introduce new flavors every once in a while… enter: BALSAMIC ALMOND DRESSING >>> Super easy and ingredients that are most likely in your pantry (unless you haven’t hopped on the almond butter bandwagon yet, then you might have to run to the store. But seriously hop on, the love is real).
Balsamic vinegar, almond butter, with a bit of pure maple syrup and stone ground mustard. This dressing pairs PERFECTLY with the apples and walnuts on dark leafy greens. And then I added goat cheese because that stuff is too legit to quit. Speaking of “too legit to quit”… for Christmas one year, my dad bought me a Nike shirt that said “Too Fit To Quit”. While I am not sure it was something I would purchase on my own, just the fact that he picked that out himself for me was too darn cute. He is actually a great gift giver. Last year he got me my silicone baking pans and I use them ALL THE TIME. I highly recommend for no-bake bars (and even baked bars).
Okay, sorry back to the salad!
On this salad we have:
-thinly sliced HONEYCRISP (the holy grail of apples)
-walnuts
-goat cheese
-spring mix
-balsamic almond dressing
Simple, yet so flavorful. And of course, your choice of protein can be added on top. I enjoyed this salad with chicken for lunch a couple times this week. I also added avocado the next day. SO GOOD. Oh man, do you know what else would be REALLY good? SALMON. I made one of the best salmon dinners of my life the other week, seriously. (Thank you Erin!) I plan on making it again ASAP.
Just as you should plan on making this salad ASAP. 😉
How to Make…
Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Almond Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Scale:
Ingredients
- 8 cups spring mix salad
- 1 large honeycrisp apple, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 3 TBS balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBS natural almond butter
- 1.5 TBS pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp stone ground mustard
- 1 tsp organic apple cider vinegar (optional)
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- To make the dressing, add balsamic, almond butter, maple syrup, mustard, and optional apple cider vinegar, salt/pepper to taste in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
(You can also mix in jar with lid and shake vigorously, or use a mini food processor or NutriBullet) - In large bowl, add salad mix, apple slices, walnuts and goat cheese.
Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. - Serve with dinner or have with lunch.
Recipes Notes:
-I used my NutriBullet to make sure the the dressing was well blended.
-If making salad for one portion, dressing will keep fresh in airtight container in fridge for up to 5 days.
-Dressing as written will serve about 4 people, with each serving size 1.5-2 TBS
-Add about 1 TBS of water if you prefer a thinner dressing.
-Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, or balsamic glazed salmon.
-If looking for a vegetarian protein option, lentils, tempeh, and quinoa are all great plant-based sources!
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1/4th
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 108
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 2
So how about you??? >>
Have you had your HONEYCRISP fix yet?!
What is your favorite way to enjoy this wonderful, seasonal produce?
Is your Dad a cool gift-giver like mine? 😉
Happy Friday, friends!
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rachel @ athletic avocado says
this is the perfect fall salad!!! and that balsamic almond dressing though…. AMAZING! 🙂
Ashley says
I want to put the dressing on everything Rachel!
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I totally agree with you! Honeycrisp apples are THE BEST! And this combo is also the best – I first had it on a camping trip several years ago and now apples + walnuts + goat cheese on errrrything.
Ashley says
Ugh, totally agree Pragati! The combo is just amazing.
Kat says
I loveeeee that this salad uses goat cheese. I typically use feta, but goat cheese really is an underappreciated cheese! I need to buy it more, because I do seriously love it!
Ashley says
Oh my gosh SAME Kat. I was all about feta until I discovered goat. HOLY MOLY. The creaminess. You just can’t beat it.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
YES to honeycrisp apples! They were on sale last weekend (which never happens) and I stocked up! And just finished eating one with breakfast this morning. So darn good!
Ashley says
Oh good idea to stock up. I need to do the same. I keep forgetting I have one in my crisper!! Tonight, I have a feeling it will be gone. (As long as I remember it is there!)
Randa @ TBK says
I love balsamic vinegar. This salad sounds so good! Thanks for posting.
★★★★★
Ashley says
I love it too! Thanks for stopping by Randa! 🙂
Jess @hellotofit says
ASHLEY. This salad = perfection. I’ve been needing a new homemade dressing recipe as a go-to. Currently it’s plain old balsamic vinaigrette. Going to make this next week! Woohoo!
Ashley says
Yay! Thanks, Jess!
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says
Such a simple salad dressing that I would have never thought to pair almond butter and balsamic. You smarty pants!! This salad looks SO good. Pinning! PS can I send your dad my addy for Christmas this year? 😉
Ashley says
Haha, THANKS. Balsamic combos have been my favorite lately. And he would probably love to 😉
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
You are a genius putting almond butter in the dressing… YUM! You’re right – honey crisp apples are the king of apples. My husband had one yesterday and declared it the best apple he had ever had. Ha!
Ashley says
I’ve been going through almond butter like its my freaking JOB. Man oh man. But yes honeycrisp…They really are the best! Thanks, Carly! 🙂
Laura Olsen says
Hi Ashley!
This looks fabulous – I can’t wait to make it! Do you know how many calories are in a serving?
Ashley says
Hi Laura 🙂 I didn’t calculate this one because it’s hard to determine the exact count with extra toppings and personal preference. But I do have the info on just the dressing if that helps! The dressing as written divided by 4 is approx 75 calories, 4g fat, 8g carbs (6g sugar) and 2g protein. Hope you enjoy!
Laura says
A delicious OIL FREE dressing!! I’ll be using this a lot!
Ashley says
Awesome! Thanks, Laura! 🙂