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Autumn apple salad
This Autumn Apple Salad with Creamy Maple Dressing is a bright, seasonal salad that combines crisp apples, tender baby greens, tart dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts for a rich texture and flavor balance. The creamy maple vinaigrette, made with canola oil, white wine vinegar, mayonnaise, and pure maple syrup, adds a comforting sweetness that complements the fresh produce. Perfect for a fall dinner or holiday table, this dish blends sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course dressings
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 367 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup canola oil
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • ¼ tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Salad:

  • 5 oz mixed baby greens (mixed baby greens)
  • 2 apples (Gala or Red Delicious, sliced)
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup walnuts (chopped, toasted)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Make the Dressing

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
  • Gradually whisk in the canola oil until the mixture thickens slightly.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, toss together baby greens, apple slices, cranberries, and half the toasted walnuts.
  • Add enough dressing to coat the salad evenly and toss gently.
  • Sprinkle the remaining walnuts on top for garnish.

Step 3: Toast the Walnuts

  • Toast walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fragrant.
  • Let cool before adding to salad.

Tips

  • Add sliced pears for extra sweetness and texture.
  • Substitute pecans for walnuts for deeper flavor.
  • Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
  • Replace canola oil with olive oil for a richer dressing.
  • Mix in cooked quinoa for a more filling entrée salad.
  • Add grilled chicken to turn this into a full meal.
  • Use spinach instead of mixed baby greens for sturdier texture.
  • Swap dried cranberries for dried cherries or raisins.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a warm autumn note.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 67mgPotassium: 160mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 309IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apples, autumn salad, cranberries, maple dressing, mixed greens, sweet savory salad, walnuts
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