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- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, kale) - 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted) - 1/2 cup blue cheese (crumbled) - 1 small red apple (thinly sliced) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This walnut and blue cheese salad bursts with flavor and freshness. You get a nice mix of greens, nuts, and fruit. Each bite brings new tastes and textures. The mixed salad greens serve as a crisp base. I love using arugula, spinach, and kale for a healthy twist. They add color and nutrients. Toasting the walnuts makes them crunchy and rich. I recommend toasting them in a pan for about five minutes. This step brings out their nutty taste. Next, blue cheese crumbles add a creamy and tangy flavor. Its boldness balances the sweetness of the apple and cranberries. The small red apple gives a sweet crunch. Slicing it thin helps it mix well with the greens. Dried cranberries add a chewy and tart touch. Red onion adds a slight bite and color. It’s thinly sliced so it blends nicely. Finally, the dressing ties everything together. Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey create a sweet and tangy mix. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. This salad is not just tasty; it's also packed with nutrition. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make this salad, start by toasting the walnuts. Take a dry skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the walnuts and stir them for about 5 minutes. You want them to be golden and smell nutty. Once done, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Next, slice your fruits and vegetables. For the apple, use a sharp knife and cut it thinly. This helps the apple blend well with the greens. Then, slice the red onion thinly. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. Now it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Then, add 1 tablespoon of honey, a pinch of salt, and some black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste it! You can adjust the salt or honey if needed. Grab a large salad bowl. Start with the mixed greens as your base. You can use arugula, spinach, and kale for great flavor. Next, layer the toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, thin apple slices, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion. Layering these ingredients helps mix the flavors well. Dress the salad just before you serve it. Drizzle the dressing over the top, then toss gently. Use your hands or salad tongs to mix everything without bruising the greens. This keeps your salad looking fresh and bright. Enjoy this simple yet delicious Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. To make your walnut and blue cheese salad even better, try adding more toppings. Here are some great ideas: - Pumpkin seeds: They add a nice crunch. - Chopped herbs: Fresh parsley or chives brighten up the dish. - Avocado slices: They bring a creamy texture. - Roasted vegetables: Think sweet potatoes or beets for extra flavor. Different blue cheeses have unique tastes. Here are some options: - Roquefort: It is rich and creamy with a strong flavor. - Gorgonzola: This cheese is milder and slightly sweet. - Stilton: It has a crumbly texture and a bold taste. Choose a cheese that fits your taste buds for the best experience. You can easily make this salad fit your diet. Here are some tips: - Vegan option: Use a plant-based blue cheese or skip it entirely. - Gluten-free: All the ingredients are gluten-free, so no worries here. Make small changes to suit your needs while keeping the salad delicious. For the full recipe, check out the Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad 🥗. {{image_2}} You can change the salad by adding seasonal fruits or vegetables. In spring, try fresh strawberries or peas. Summer brings ripe tomatoes or cucumbers. Fall calls for pears or roasted squash. Winter is perfect for pomegranate seeds or citrus slices. These additions give your salad a fresh twist and new flavors. If you want to make this salad more filling, add some protein. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It adds a nice smoky taste. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. They add texture and keep it healthy. Shrimp or tofu can also work well. Just make sure to season them well before adding. The dressing can change the whole dish. While the olive oil and apple cider vinegar dressing is great, you can try others. A balsamic vinaigrette adds a sweet richness. A lemon vinaigrette gives a bright, zesty flavor. For a creamy touch, try a ranch or tahini dressing. Experiment to find your favorite! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To keep your walnut and blue cheese salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the greens crisp. If you have leftover salad, separate the dressing. Add it just before serving. This stops the greens from wilting. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. How long do the salad ingredients last? Here’s a quick overview: - Mixed greens: 3 to 5 days in the fridge. - Toasted walnuts: About 2 weeks if stored well in a cool place. - Blue cheese: 1 to 2 weeks after opening, in the fridge. - Apple slices: Best if eaten within 1 day, or they may brown. - Dried cranberries: Last for months if sealed properly. This gives you a good idea of how long you can enjoy your salad. Can you freeze this salad? Well, it's best to freeze only some parts. Here are some tips: - Walnuts: You can freeze toasted walnuts. Just place them in a freezer bag. They last for up to 6 months. - Blue cheese: You can freeze blue cheese, but it may change texture. Use it in cooking later. - Greens and apple slices: These do not freeze well. They will become mushy when thawed. For the best taste, prepare the salad fresh. You can find the full recipe earlier in the article. You can prepare this salad ahead of time. First, toast the walnuts and store them in a sealed bag. You can make the dressing and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to chop the apples fresh to avoid browning. Store your salad greens separately in a container. This keeps them crisp until serving. When you are ready to eat, combine all ingredients. Dress the salad just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. Yes, you can easily swap ingredients. If you have nut allergies, use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of walnuts. For dairy issues, try a vegan cheese or skip it altogether. You can also use a different cheese like feta for a new flavor. If you want to avoid apples, any fruit like pears or berries can work well. I love to serve this salad in a large bowl for family style. It looks beautiful with all the colors mixed in. You can also plate individual servings for a fancy touch. Sprinkle extra walnuts or cheese on top for presentation. Use a nice serving spoon, and let guests help themselves. Absolutely! This salad can shine as a light main course. You can add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for more fill. It makes a great lunch or dinner option. Pair it with some crusty bread for a full meal. The blend of flavors makes it satisfying. A crisp white wine works nicely with this salad. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling. Their acidity balances the richness of blue cheese. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can be a good match. Its fruitiness complements the apples and walnuts well. Enjoy your meal with the perfect drink! In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious walnut and blue cheese salad. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Consider your dietary needs and try different flavors or proteins. This salad is versatile and can fit any meal. When stored properly, it stays fresh for days. Whether you serve it as a side or a main dish, it's bound to impress! Enjoy creating your tasty salad, and remember to experiment with your favorite ingredients.

Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

Discover the refreshing Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad that combines vibrant mixed greens with toasted walnuts, creamy blue cheese, and crisp apple slices for a delightful crunch. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish for dinner. With a simple homemade dressing bringing it all together, you’ll want to make this salad again and again. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your culinary experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and kale)

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted

1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled

1 small red apple, thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until they are golden and fragrant. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

      Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens as a base. Layer on the toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, apple slices, dried cranberries, and red onion.

        Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.

          Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates or leave it in the bowl for a family-style serving.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4