Rustic Buckeye Hills Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
A crisp salad with sweet apples and toasted walnuts dressed in a tangy maple vinaigrette showcasing flavors from southeast Ohio. This american-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed greens, large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced, toasted walnuts, chopped 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 greens
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed greens, 1 large thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts, and 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and creamy.
- Step 3: Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture and bright flavors of this regional-inspired salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rustic Buckeye Hills Apple and Walnut 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 Rustic Buckeye Hills 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 greens from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Buckeye Hills 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 Rustic Buckeye Hills 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.
Is Rustic Buckeye Hills Apple and Walnut Salad with Maple Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.