North Star-Inspired Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad
A crisp salad combining spiced apples, toasted walnuts, and mixed greens tossed in a honey-Dijon vinaigrette inspired by the starry northern night. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, toasted and roughly chopped walnuts, ground cinnamon 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
- 1 large, cored and thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
- 3/4 cup, toasted and roughly chopped walnuts
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, toss 1 large thinly sliced Granny Smith apple with 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Toast 3/4 cup walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a jar or small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 4: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, the cinnamon-spiced apple slices, and toasted walnuts.
- Step 5: Drizzle the honey-Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does North Star-Inspired Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 North Star-Inspired Spiced 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 North Star-Inspired Spiced 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 North Star-Inspired Spiced 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 North Star-Inspired Spiced Apple and Walnut Salad?
Mediterranean 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.
