Description
A fresh and vibrant Apple Salad with Candied Walnuts, crisp apples, mixed greens, bacon, feta cheese, and a creamy poppy seed dressing. This salad combines sweet, savory, and crunchy elements for a perfect light meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 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
Candied Walnuts
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Walnuts: In a nonstick pan over medium heat, combine walnuts, salted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir constantly as the sugar and butter melt, coating the walnuts evenly. Continue cooking for about 3 to 5 minutes until golden and glossy.
- Cool Candied Walnuts: Transfer the candied walnuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread them apart to cool and harden. Once cooled, serve whole or chop as desired.
- Make Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: Toss chopped romaine lettuce, spring mix, and arugula together in a large bowl. Arrange the sliced apples, dried cranberries, chopped crispy bacon, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced avocado on top.
- Serve with Dressing: Either serve the salad arranged with toppings on top alongside the creamy poppy seed dressing or toss the salad with the dressing and serve immediately for a fully dressed salad experience.
Notes
- Use crisp apples like Envy, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the candied walnuts and substitute with toasted seeds.
- Make the dressing ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To save time, bacon can be cooked in advance and refrigerated.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing for preference on sweetness.
