There’s a certain joy that comes with mixing sweet and savory, isn’t there? Picture this: the crunch of candied walnuts, the creaminess of blue cheese, and the crisp bite of fresh apples all coming together in a delightful salad. This Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad does just that, creating a spectacular dish that turns an ordinary meal into something special.
When the days start to cool and the leaves begin to change colors, I often find myself craving hearty yet refreshing flavors. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this salad is the answer. It’s incredibly easy to whip together, yet the vibrant combination of flavors and textures will have everyone raving about it. And the best part? You can customize it with different cheeses or nuts to suit your taste or dietary preferences! So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into a salad that’s sure to impress.
Why is the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad a Must-Try?
Uniquely Delicious: This salad combines sweet apples, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts for a taste explosion that delights your palate.
Quick to Prepare: You can throw this together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: Tailor it to your liking with cheese swaps — think feta or goat cheese for those who aren’t fans of blue, like in our variation ideas.
Seasonal Appeal: With crisp apples and hearty walnuts, it’s seasonal goodness on your plate, ideal for fall and winter.
Crowd-Pleasing: Serve it at your next dinner party or holiday feast, and watch it disappear — even your picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad
For the Salad
• Bacon – Adds savory crunch; consider using turkey bacon for a lighter option.
• Mixed Lettuce Greens – Base of the salad for freshness; try spinach or arugula for a peppery twist.
• Apple – Freshness and sweetness; pears can be a delightful substitute.
• Red Onion – Provides crunch and a hint of sharpness; shallots or green onions make a fine alternative.
• Walnuts – Offer texture and richness; you can easily swap them for pecans or almonds if preferred.
• Dried Cherries (or Raisins/Cranberries) – For sweetness and a chewy bite; they’re optional but add a nice contrast.
For the Candied Walnuts
• Butter – For candying the walnuts; coconut oil is a great dairy-free substitute.
• Brown Sugar – Sweetens the walnuts nicely; honey or maple syrup work as great alternatives.
For the Dressing
• Olive Oil – The base for the dressing; avocado oil is a tasty alternative.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds depth; omit it if you prefer a milder dressing flavor.
• Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener for the dressing; you can use brown sugar in its place.
• Red Wine Vinegar – Provides acidity; you can also use apple cider vinegar if you have that on hand.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances every flavor; any type of salt will do, just adjust the quantity to taste.
• Fresh Black Pepper – Adds warmth and a little spice to the dressing.
Enjoy assembling these ingredients for your next batch of this exquisite Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad!
How to Make Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad
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Cook Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the bacon across a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Drain and set aside on a plate.
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Candy Walnuts: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the walnuts and brown sugar, stirring for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Prepare Dressing: In a jar, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously until well blended.
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Assemble Salad: Lay down a bed of mixed lettuce greens in a large bowl. Sprinkle half the bacon, candied walnuts, red onion, dried cherries, blue cheese, and sliced apple on top. Repeat layering with the remaining ingredients.
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Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss if desired to combine all the flavors together.
Optional: Garnish with extra walnuts for added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad
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Sweetness Balance: Adjust the sweet elements, like the maple syrup or brown sugar, to complement the tang of the blue cheese. A little goes a long way!
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Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is crispy for the best texture. Under-cooked bacon can become chewy and lose its appeal.
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Layering Technique: Layer ingredients in the salad for even distribution of flavors. This prevents the juicy apples from wilting the greens too quickly.
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Dressing Timing: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the greens. Leftover undressed salad components can last longer.
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Experiment with Nuts: If you’re not a walnut fan, don’t hesitate to use pecans or almonds. They add a delightful crunch while keeping the salad flavor-packed and satisfying!
Make Ahead Options
These Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bacon, candied walnuts, and dressing up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights. Simply cook the bacon until crispy and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make the candied walnuts by cooking them as instructed and let them cool before storing, and keep the dressing in a jar, shaking it to remix before use. For the best quality, assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the greens remain crisp and fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, just layer the lettuce with the prepared ingredients and drizzle with dressing — it’s as simple as that for a delightful, hassle-free meal!
Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with your salad! Here are some fun twists to suit your taste buds.
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Cheese Swap: Substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. Each option brings its unique creaminess to the salad.
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Nut Alternatives: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a subtle change in texture and taste. Pecans offer a softer crunch, while almonds deliver a satisfying snap.
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Dried Fruit Variety: Use cranberries, apricots, or even figs in place of dried cherries. Each fruit contributes its special sweetness, adding delightful contrast to the salad.
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Greens Variation: Change up the base greens; arugula gives a peppery kick, while spinach adds a tender touch. Mixing greens can also boost nutritional value and color!
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Vinaigrette Zing: Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar to your dressing for a tangy twist. It enhances the overall flavor, creating a refreshing bite.
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Fruit Options: Substitute fresh apples with pears for a softer sweetness. Pears have a juicy texture that pairs beautifully with the other savory elements.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat! This play on flavors can elevate the salad to new heights.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist. They infuse the salad with a garden-fresh aroma, making each bite a little brighter.
What to Serve with Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful pairings that complement this flavor-packed salad perfectly.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken adds a hearty element and balances the salad’s tanginess.
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Quinoa Pilaf: The nutty flavor and fluffy texture of quinoa pilaf pair seamlessly with the salad, creating a wholesome meal.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes introduce warmth and richness, enhancing the overall flavor palette.
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Savory Bread Rolls: Offer warm, crusty rolls for a comforting touch, perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
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Sparkling Water: Bright, fizzy sparkling water elevates the dining experience, cleansing the palate and refreshing the senses.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp provides a sweet ending that echoes the salad’s fresh apples while adding comforting warmth.
With these additions, your Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad becomes the star of a deliciously satisfying meal!
How to Store and Freeze Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad
Fridge: Store the undressed Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
Candied Walnuts: Keep these sweet, crunchy gems in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The flavor will stay vibrant, making them a tasty snack too!
Dressing: The dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over your fresh salad.
Reheating Bacon: If you’ve got leftover cooked bacon, it can be reheated in a skillet or microwave for about 30 seconds, keeping its crispy goodness for your next salad!
Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best apples for the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad?
Absolutely! For this salad, I recommend using crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Look for apples that are firm with vibrant skin, avoiding any that show signs of bruising or soft spots. Freshness is key to achieving the best balance in flavors!
What is the best way to store leftover Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad?
To maintain the freshness of your salad, store the undressed components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps prevent sogginess in the lettuce and maintains the crunchiness of the walnuts. Dress only the amount you plan to eat to ensure optimal taste!
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Can I freeze the components of the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad?
While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled salad, you can freeze the candied walnuts for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before freezing. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to re-crisp.
What should I do if my walnuts aren’t toasty and fragrant after candying?
Very! If your walnuts aren’t fragrant or have burnt, check the heat is on medium-low. Stir them regularly while cooking to ensure even candying. If they turn out too soft or chewy, give them an additional few minutes in the oven at 350°F to crisp them up after cooling. Practice makes perfect, and soon you’ll have that ideal crunch!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad?
Yes! If you’re serving this salad to guests, be mindful of dairy allergies related to the blue cheese. Offering alternative cheeses like dairy-free feta or goat cheese can help accommodate most dietary needs. Additionally, if anyone has nut allergies, it’s easy to replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, maintaining that satisfying crunch without the risk!
Can I prepare the Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the dressing, bacon, and candied walnuts a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. This way, you’ll save time and still impress your guests with a vibrant, flavor-packed dish!
Flavors Unite in Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the bacon across a sheet pan and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy. Drain and set aside on a plate.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the walnuts and brown sugar, stirring for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a jar, combine the olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, and fresh black pepper. Seal the jar and shake it vigorously until well blended.
- Lay down a bed of mixed lettuce greens in a large bowl. Sprinkle half the bacon, candied walnuts, red onion, dried cherries, blue cheese, and sliced apple on top. Repeat layering with the remaining ingredients.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss if desired to combine all the flavors together.
