Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch

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

A fresh, naturally sweet salad blending diced apples, dates, and walnuts with cinnamon and honey, echoing the classic Passover charoset flavors. This middle eastern-inspired passover ready in about 15 minutes pairs apple, Medjool dates, chopped walnuts for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 peeled and diced medium apples with 1 cup chopped pitted Medjool dates and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp orange zest until smooth and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving as a refreshing Passover side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch?

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 apple from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch?

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 Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Charoset-Inspired Apple and Date Salad with Walnut Crunch?

Middle Eastern passover 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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