Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
A crisp salad combining tart apples, crunchy walnuts, and mixed greens, tossed in a warm cinnamon and maple syrup dressing. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, toasted and chopped walnuts, maple syrup 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 medium, cored and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- 1/2 cup, toasted and chopped walnuts
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Place 5 cups mixed salad greens in a large salad bowl. Add 2 medium thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts.
- Step 3: Drizzle the cinnamon-maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of crisp apples and warm spiced dressing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
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 Salad with Maple Vinaigrette 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 Cinnamon-Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?
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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
