Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast Salad

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

A refreshing and naturally sweet Whole30 breakfast salad combining crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a cinnamon-infused lemon dressing. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten-free) ready in about 10 minutes combines mixed salad greens, large, cored and thinly sliced apple, roughly chopped walnuts into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. 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 Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp honey (optional), 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 large thinly sliced apple, and 1/3 cup roughly chopped walnuts.
  3. Step 3: Pour the cinnamon lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately for a crisp, refreshing breakfast salad with warming spice notes.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast Salad take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Breakfast Salad whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten-free, vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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