Charoset-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing

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

A fresh salad inspired by traditional Passover charoset, combining sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy pomegranate molasses dressing. This mediterranean-inspired passover ready in about 15 minutes pairs Granny Smith apples, cored and diced, walnuts, chopped, ground cinnamon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 medium diced Granny Smith apples and 1 cup chopped walnuts.
  2. Step 2: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger over the apple and walnuts, tossing gently to coat evenly.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until fully emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the apple and walnut mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish the salad with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves and serve immediately to preserve the apples’ crispness.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charoset-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing 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-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing?

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 walnuts, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charoset-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing?

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-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing 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 Charoset-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Pomegranate Dressing?

Mediterranean 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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