Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad Recipe

I love blending textures and flavors from orchard and garden. Fresh mixed greens, crisp apples, juicy blueberries and toasted walnuts come together with a drizzle of honey balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced dish. The interplay of sweetness and crunch creates a lively twist to a classic salad.

I’m really excited to share my latest creation: the Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette. I’ve been playing around in my kitchen with flavors lately and this recipe just came together perfectly.

It mixes 4 cups of fresh greens with thinly sliced apples, a pint of plump blueberries and 1/2 cup toasted walnuts that add a superb crunch. I even tossed in a bit of crumbled goat cheese and dried cranberries for a twist that reminds me of other recipes like Blueberry Walnut Salad and even a Chicken Apple Walnut Salad I once tried.

The vinaigrette is simple yet delicious with 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey, with just a pinch of salt and pepper to tie it all together. If you love vibrant and crunchy salads with a bit of tang then you should definitely check out the full recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com.

Enjoy it!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this salad because the mix of crisp greens, sweet apples and juicy blueberries makes every bite exciting and refreshing.
I really like how the honey balsamic dressing ties all the ingredients together even though its super simple to make.
I appreciate the crunch from the walnuts and the creamy edge from the goat cheese, it gives me a cool mix of textures that keeps it interesting.
I enjoy how quick and easy it is to prepare, yet it still feels fancy enough for a party or even just a regular meal at home.

Ingredients

• Mixed greens provide fiber, vitamins, and a light, crisp texture that balances flavors.
• Apples deliver natural sweetness, crisp texture, and essential fiber good for digestion.
• Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and add a mild tart burst of flavor.
• Walnuts offer healthy fats and proteins, perfectly complementing the salad’s freshness.
• Crumbled goat cheese gives tangy creaminess that contrasts with sweet and crisp fruits.
• Dried cranberries add chewy sweetness and a burst of vibrant color to the salad.
• Extra virgin olive oil gives a smooth, rich base balancing the sour and sweet notes.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula or spring mix)
• 2 medium apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (adjust to your taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. In a big bowl, toss together 4 cups of mixed greens, 2 medium apples (cored and thinly sliced), 1 pint of fresh blueberries, 1/2 cup of roughly chopped and toasted walnuts, and if you want, 1/4 cup of crumbled goat cheese and 1/4 cup of dried cranberries.

2. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey.

3. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the dressing and whisk it well until all the ingredients are combined.

4. Slowly pour the dressing over the salad mixture, making sure you distribute it evenly.

5. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad so that every piece gets some of that yummy dressing.

6. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can mix together better.

7. Give it a quick taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or honey if needed.

8. Serve the salad immediately so it’s fresh and crisp.

9. Enjoy your Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad with its sweet and tangy bite!

10. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, but try to eat it soon before it gets soggy.

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl for tossing and mixing the salad
2. Small mixing bowl for prepping the dressing
3. Whisk to thoroughly mix the dressing ingredients
4. Knife and cutting board for slicing apples and chopping walnuts
5. Salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad
6. Measuring cups and spoons to measure ingredients accurately
7. Airtight container for storing any leftovers

FAQ

Blueberry Apple Walnut Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you don’t have mixed greens like spinach or arugula, you can use baby kale or romaine lettuce. They provide a similar crisp texture and fresh taste.
• Instead of apples, you can try thinly sliced pears or even seedless grapes for a different kind of sweetness in your salad.
• If walnuts aren’t available, pecans or slivered almonds work nicely as a crunchy alternative.
• Not a fan of goat cheese? Feta cheese or even a mild blue cheese can be used as a substitute that still delivers a tangy flavor punch.
• For honey in the dressing, you can use maple syrup as a substitute for a slightly different kind of sweetness that pairs well with the berries.

Pro Tips

1. When toasting the walnuts make sure you keep an eye on them so they dont burn, a light toast brings out their flavor much better.
2. Let the salad sit for a few minutes after you pour on the dressing so all the flavors mix well. Skipping this step might leave it a bit bland.
3. Try to use the freshest greens and fruits you can find because anything older might make the salad soggy and less appetizing.
4. Always taste your dressing before mixing it into the salad so you can tweak the honey, salt or pepper as needed—it really makes a difference in the final bite.