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Apple Salad with White Cheddar and Walnuts Recipe

This Apple Salad is simple and refreshing! Fresh greens, crisp apples, and sharp white cheddar combine perfectly with crunchy cinnamon walnuts, dressed with a flavorful citrus vinaigrette.

4.9 from 179 votes
45 mins
Total Time
6
servings
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Apple Salad with White Cheddar and Walnuts

How to Make the Best Apple Salad with White Cheddar and Walnuts

This apple salad with white cheddar and walnuts is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors. It’s simple to prepare but impressive enough to serve at any gathering, making it an ideal choice for fall entertaining and holiday tables. The combination of fresh greens, crisp apple slices, and sharp white cheddar creates a satisfying base, while cinnamon-spiced walnuts add a warm, toasty crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

The homemade citrus vinaigrette is the real star of this salad—made with fresh orange and lemon juice, it brings brightness and sophistication to every bite. The orange zest and hint of dijon mustard round out the flavors beautifully, creating a dressing that feels restaurant-quality but comes together in just minutes. With plenty of dressing to spare, you can enjoy this salad for leftovers (if it lasts that long!) and use the extra vinaigrette on other salads throughout the week.

Whether you’re looking for a festive Thanksgiving salad idea or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this easy apple cheddar walnut salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Serve it immediately after assembly for the crispest greens and most vibrant flavors, and don’t hesitate to make the cinnamon walnuts ahead to streamline your preparation time.

Apple Salad with White Cheddar and Walnuts

Apple Salad with White Cheddar and Walnuts

This Apple Salad is simple and refreshing! Fresh greens, crisp apples, and sharp white cheddar combine perfectly with crunchy cinnamon walnuts, dressed with a flavorful citrus vinaigrette.

4.9 from 179 votes
CourseSalad
CuisineAmerican
Keywordapple salad, fall salad, thanksgiving salad, apple salad with walnuts, white cheddar apple salad, green salad with apple and cheddar, apple cheddar walnut salad, citrus dressing
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings6 servings
Calories209kcal
AuthorAlex Raeburn
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Ingredients

Cinnamon Walnuts

Citrus Vinaigrette

Salad

Instructions

Cinnamon Walnuts

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
  2. In a small bowl toss the walnuts, maple syrup, cinnamon, coriander, pepper, and salt to taste.
  3. Spread out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through, until glazed and toasty.
  4. Remove from the oven, and immediately stir with a fork to keep them from adhering to the pan.
  5. Let them cool completely. (You can do this ahead!)

Citrus Vinaigrette

  1. Whisk together orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, shallot, dijon, salt and black pepper.
  2. This makes 2/3 cup—you will have dressing left over.

Salad Assembly

  1. Toss the sliced apples in a couple teaspoons of dressing to keep them from going brown while prepping.
  2. In your serving bowl toss the salad greens with 3 tablespoons of dressing or just enough to coat.
  3. Arrange or scatter cheese, apples, scallions, cranberries, and walnuts over the greens.
  4. Drizzle a few more tablespoons of dressing over the top.
  5. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the black pepper to taste—the recipe calls for a good amount, so start conservatively if you prefer less pepper.
  • The cinnamon walnuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
  • You'll have extra dressing, which keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days.
  • For best results, use peppery greens like arugula, mizuna, or watercress to complement the crisp apples and sharp cheese.
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