Name: Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small head romaine lettuce, chopped; 6 ounces spring mix; 2 ounces arugula; 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced (envy, honeycrisp, or fuji recommended); 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped; 1/2 small red onion, sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 avocado, thinly sliced; 1 cup walnuts; 1 Tablespoon salted butter; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup milk; 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 teaspoons poppy seeds; Pinch of salt and pepper

If you’re on the hunt for a salad that bursts with flavors and textures, you’ve just landed in the right place! This Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe combines crisp apples, crunchy candied walnuts, and a luscious poppy seed dressing that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and savory: The crunchy apples and candied walnuts paired with smoky bacon make every bite exciting.
Quick and easy to prepare: You can have this gorgeous salad ready in just 20 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Loaded with textures: From creamy avocado to crisp lettuce and chewy dried cranberries, this dish has layers of delightful mouthfeel.
Versatile and crowd-pleasing: Whether as a light meal or a side dish, this salad fits right in and pleases even the pickiest eaters.

A close-up of a white shallow bowl filled with a colorful salad, layered with fresh green lettuce leaves at the base, topped with neatly arranged slices of red and yellow apple on the right side, clusters of brown shelled walnuts just in front, golden-brown crispy bacon pieces on the left, and areas of deep red dried cranberries sprinkled with white cheese crumbles on the upper right. A woman's hand is pouring creamy white salad dressing from a small glass jar over the walnuts, with some black pepper flakes visible on the apples and dressing. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft striped cloth partially visible on the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing, apple walnut salad, fruity salad with candied nuts, easy fruit salad recipes, healthy apple salad ideas

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe lies in its simple yet intentional selection of ingredients. Each element adds something special—whether it’s freshness, creaminess, sweetness, or a touch of crunch—coming together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Flat lay of chopped romaine lettuce, vibrant spring mix leaves, fresh arugula, thinly sliced crisp apples with red and yellow hues, glossy dried cranberries, crispy chopped bacon pieces, thin slices of red onion, creamy crumbled feta cheese, thin avocado slices, and golden candied walnuts coated in cinnamon sugar, all beautifully arranged in a balanced composition, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing, apple walnut salad, fruity salad with candied nuts, easy fruit salad recipes, healthy apple salad ideas

Romaine lettuce, spring mix, and arugula: A vibrant green base that offers crispness with a hint of pepperiness from the arugula.
Apples: Crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji bring juicy sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
Candied walnuts: Toasted in butter and cinnamon sugar, they add a rich, caramelized crunch that’s absolutely addictive.

Bacon: Adds savory smoky flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart pops that deepen the flavor profile.
Feta cheese: Crumbled for creamy, tangy bursts that contrast the fruit and nuts beautifully.
Avocado: Silky smooth texture for richness and to mellow the bold flavors.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle bite without overpowering.
Creamy poppy seed dressing: A touch of sweetness and tang that brings everything together harmoniously.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Candy the Walnuts

Start by placing the walnuts, salted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon into a nonstick pan over medium heat. Stir continuously—this is important!—so that the sugar melts and evenly coats the nuts with a shiny, sweet glaze. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once glossy and fragrant, transfer the walnuts to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden. You can leave them whole or chop them up for easier scattering on your salad.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Poppy Seed Dressing

Next, grab a medium bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, milk, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. This creamy dressing is the heart of your salad—the perfect sweet-tart complement that unites all the ingredients beautifully. Whisk until smooth and set aside to let those flavors blend.

Step 3: Toss the Greens and Assemble

In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, spring mix, and arugula. Add thinly sliced apples, cooked and chopped bacon, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced avocado. You can either toss everything with the dressing right away for a unified flavor or serve the dressing on the side so everyone can customize their own salad experience. Top with the candied walnuts just before serving for maximum crunch.

How to Serve Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The bowl has several clear layers: fresh green leafy lettuce on the bottom, topped with thinly sliced red apple pieces arranged in small groups in the center and right side. On the left, there is sliced avocado with light green creamy texture placed beside crispy dark brown bacon bits. Toasted walnuts are sprinkled around the apples and bacon, creating a crunchy look. White onion rings sit on the upper right side near a pile of bright red dried cranberries. White crumbled cheese is next to the cranberries and avocado. A light creamy dressing with black specks is drizzled over the salad. Nearby, a small jar holds extra dressing. A silver spoon and fork rest beside the bowl on a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing, apple walnut salad, fruity salad with candied nuts, easy fruit salad recipes, healthy apple salad ideas

Garnishes

Extra candied walnuts or a sprinkle of poppy seeds on top make for eye-catching garnishes. Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or cilantro can brighten the dish further. For an elegant touch, add a few thin apple slices or a handful of microgreens to elevate the presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light grilled proteins like chicken or fish, making it a refreshing companion to your main course. It’s also fantastic alongside a hearty sandwich or as a vibrant starter for a larger meal. The creamy poppy seed dressing complements dishes with a bit of tang or spice beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning buffet display, create individual servings in clear glass bowls or jars to showcase the colorful layers. Another fun idea is to serve the salad in hollowed-out apple halves, which amp up the visual appeal while tying into the flavor profile. Don’t forget to drizzle the poppy seed dressing in a zig-zag pattern on top for a gorgeous finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh and crisp. The greens and apples can get soggy if mixed with dressing too long. Keep the candied walnuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Because this salad relies heavily on fresh veggies and delicate textures, it’s not ideal for freezing. The dressing may separate, and the greens will wilt, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short term.

Reheating

Since this is a cold salad, reheating doesn’t apply. If you want warm candied walnuts, you can quickly toast them in a dry pan for a minute or two before serving atop the salad again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would also work wonderfully for candied nuts in this salad. Just follow the same candying process to maintain that sweet crunch.
Is the poppy seed dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this creamy dressing is naturally gluten-free as long as the mayonnaise you use doesn’t contain gluten ingredients. It’s a safe and tasty option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of romaine?

Definitely! Feel free to swap romaine for butter lettuce, red leaf, or even kale if you’d like a sturdier green. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture changes the base will bring.
How long does this Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe keep after assembling?

Once tossed with dressing, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 hours to keep the apples and greens crisp. If left undressed, the components can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe truly feels like a little celebration in a bowl every time I make it. The blend of fresh, sweet, tangy, and crunchy is simply irresistible. I warmly encourage you to try it out and watch how it quickly becomes a family favorite or your go-to dish when entertaining. Trust me—it’s a refreshing hug on a plate that you won’t regret!

Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts and Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe