Apple Walnut Salad with Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette (Vegan)

by Steph Sunshine at StephSunshine.com

Yield 4 servings

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. mixed lettuce*
  • 1 large apple (Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp)
  • freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup vegan feta or goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup dried, sweetened cranberries

Candied Walnuts

  • 3/4 cup walnut pieces
  • 1 tbsp. vegan butter
  • 3 tbsp. vegan light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Maple-Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Start by adding all the ingredients for the candied walnuts to a small pan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until both the sugar and butter are melted, and the walnuts are coated. This could take up to 10 minutes, so be patient and keep stirring.
  2. Transfer the candied walnuts to a large piece of parchment paper. Use a fork or other tool to separate them before they cool so they don't get stuck together. Then, set aside to cool.
  3. Combine the ingredients for your maple-balsamic vinaigrette, and mix well. I like to use a small jar with a lid and shake it.
  4. Core your apple, then slice it into very thin slices. Toss the slices in lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
  5. If your lettuce isn't baby leaf lettuce, chop it roughly. Wash your lettuce and drain using a salad spinner.
  6. Add your lettuce to a large serving bowl, then top with apple slices, walnuts, cranberries, and vegan cheese. You can serve the salad with the toppings on top, or toss it to evenly distribute them before serving.
  7. Serve the salad with the dressing on the side.

Notes & Hints

I used a mix of butter lettuce, green leaf lettuce, and red leaf lettuce, but you can also use mixed baby lettuce, baby spinach, or any greens you like.

Although you can add the dressing directly to the salad in the serving bowl if you prefer, I recommend letting each person add their own dressing. This keeps the salad as fresh as possible, and if there are leftovers, they won't get soggy.

StephSunshine