Apple Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese (Gluten-Free)
This apple walnut salad with blue cheese is a delicious combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, all tossed with fresh salad greens and a flavorful homemade vinaigrette. Naturally gluten-free and easy to throw together, this simple apple walnut salad makes a tasty side for weeknight dinners, fall gatherings, and holiday meals.
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A Flavorful Salad Perfect For the Fall Season and Your Holiday Table
Sweet, savory, and refreshing, this apple walnut and blue cheese salad has a wonderful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Think crisp, juicy apples, toasted walnuts for crunch, and creamy savory blue cheese, tossed with fresh salad greens and a honey mustard vinaigrette. easy to prepare, this simple apple walnut salad makes a lovely side dish during apple season – make it for weeknight dinners, fall gatherings, and holiday meals! You’ll be loving it anytime!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Wonderful Textures & Balance of Flavors: With a blend of creamy and crunch textures, combined with sweet, savory and tangy flavors, this is one salad that is hits all the right spots.
- Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for making this walnut and apple salad are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required!).
- Easy to Make: Ready in under 15 minutes, all you need to do is mix the dressing together, toss it with the salad ingredients, and violà ! You’ve got your favorite fall salad ready in no time at all!
- Totally Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free croutons or toasted gluten-free bread means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances can enjoy this recipe without issues!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for making this apple walnut salad recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Apples: I like using red apples that are sweet and crisp (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are great), but Granny Smith apples will work too if you like a more tart salad.
- Walnuts: Walnuts add a deliciously crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy blue cheese.
- Salad Mix: Use your favorite mix of salad greens (a mix of lettuce, arugula or spinach is my favorite).
- Vinegars: I used a mix of both apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar, but you can also use all balsamic vinegar if you prefer.
- Honey: Honey adds extra sweetness to the vinaigrette.
- Olive Oil: For the best flavor, I recommend using extra virgin olive oil.
- Mustard: I used Dijon mustard, but you can also use other types of mustard if you prefer.
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese adds a creamy, salty and tangy contrast to the sweet apples and crunchy walnuts.
- Croutons: I use gluten-free croutons to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular croutons instead.
How to Make Apple Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad:
Prepare Dressing: Combine apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard in a small jar. Cover and shake well until the dressing is smooth and blended.
Combine Apples with Walnuts & Salad Mix: Dice the apples and place them in a large bowl with walnuts and salad mix.
Toss with Dressing, Salt & Pepper: Pour the dressing over the apples and greens. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust if needed.
Garnish & Serve: Serve on plates, top with crumbled blue cheese, and add the gluten-free croutons or toasted bread slices.
Dish by Dish Tips:
- Make Ahead: If you’re making this salad ahead of a fall gathering, I recommend preparing the dressing and then storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Whisk or shake the dressing well before tossing it with the salad ingredients and then serve.
- Salad Greens: Make sure to wash and dry the salad greens ahead of time (wet greens will dilute the dressing). I like using a mix of arugula, lettuce and spinach, but feel free to use the greens you have on hand.
Gluten-Free Apple Recipes to Make:
Other Gluten-Free Fall Recipes You’ll Love:
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Apple Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese (Gluten-Free)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, Vegetarian
Description
This apple walnut salad with blue cheese is a delicious combination of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy blue cheese, all tossed with fresh salad greens and a flavorful homemade vinaigrette. Naturally gluten-free and easy to throw together, this simple apple walnut salad makes a tasty side for weeknight dinners, fall gatherings, and holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 3 apples, cored and diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 cups salad mix
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 10–12 small gluten-free croutons
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: Combine apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard in a small jar. Cover and shake well until the dressing is smooth and blended.
- Combine Apples with Walnuts & Salad Mix: Dice the apples and place them in a large bowl with walnuts and salad mix.
- Toss with Dressing, Salt & Pepper: Pour the dressing over the apples and greens. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve on plates, top with crumbled blue cheese, and add the gluten-free croutons or toasted bread slices.
Notes
Apples: I like using red apples that are sweet and crisp (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady are great), but Granny Smith apples will work too if you like a more tart salad.
Walnuts: Walnuts add a deliciously crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy blue cheese.
Salad Mix: Use your favorite mix of salad greens (a mix of lettuce, arugula or spinach is my favorite).
Vinegars: I used a mix of both apple cider vinegar and balsamic vinegar, but you can also use all balsamic vinegar if you prefer.
Honey: Honey adds extra sweetness to the vinaigrette.
Olive Oil: For the best flavor, I recommend using extra virgin olive oil.
Mustard: I used Dijon mustard, but you can also use other types of mustard if you prefer.
Blue Cheese: Blue cheese adds a creamy, salty and tangy contrast to the sweet apples and crunchy walnuts.
Croutons: I use gluten-free croutons to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular croutons instead.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer, Salads, Side Dishes
- Cuisine: Western
