Oregon Hazelnut and Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
A crisp apple and mixed greens salad accented with toasted Oregon hazelnuts and a sweet maple vinaigrette, celebrating the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. This american-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, crumbled goat cheese, pure 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
- 1 medium, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
- 1/3 cup, toasted and roughly chopped Oregon hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 medium thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, 1/3 cup toasted and roughly chopped Oregon hazelnuts, and 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
- Step 3: Pour the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately as a fresh and vibrant starter or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oregon Hazelnut and Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 Oregon Hazelnut and Apple 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 Oregon Hazelnut and Apple 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 Oregon Hazelnut and Apple 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 Oregon Hazelnut and Apple 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.