Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad featuring roasted apples and toasted walnuts tossed with mixed greens and a maple vinaigrette, capturing regional flavors in a fresh, healthy dish. This american-inspired salads ready in about 25 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, roughly chopped walnuts, divided olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 2 sliced apples with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until tender and caramelized at edges.
  2. Step 2: While apples roast, toast 3/4 cup chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, remaining 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, the warm roasted apples, toasted walnuts, and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese if using. Drizzle with the maple vinaigrette and toss gently to coat evenly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Appalachian-Inspired Roasted Apple and Walnut Salad?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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