Apple Walnut Salad Recipe
Romaine topped with diced apples, walnuts, mandarin oranges, red onion, croutons and poppy seed dressing
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Ingredients
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Salad
Poppy Seed Dressing
Method
Salad
- 1
Prepare lettuce
Wash romaine leaves thoroughly under cold water. Dry well using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towels. Chop or tear into bite-size pieces to measure approximately 6 cups and place in a large salad bowl.
- 2
Prepare apples
Core and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces (leave skin on for texture). Immediately toss diced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice to prevent browning and to add brightness.
- 3
- 4
Toast walnuts
Heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop into bite-size pieces.
- 5
Assemble salad
Add the diced apples, toasted walnuts, drained mandarin orange segments (reserve any excess liquid), chopped red onion, and croutons to the bowl with romaine. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Toss gently to combine, taking care not to mash the mandarin segments.
Poppy Seed Dressing
- 6
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons honey, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Whisk until combined.
- 7
Stir in 1 teaspoon poppy seeds, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/16 teaspoon black pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity—add an extra 1/2 teaspoon honey if you prefer a sweeter dressing or an additional 1/2 teaspoon vinegar for more tang.
- 8
If the dressing is too thick, thin to desired consistency with 1–2 teaspoons water, whisking until smooth. Refrigerate at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld (optional).
- 9
Dress and serve
Just before serving, drizzle about 3–4 tablespoons dressing over the assembled salad (reserve extra dressing on the side). Toss gently to coat ingredients evenly. Serve immediately and pass remaining dressing.