Autumn Apple Walnut Salad with Cider Vinaigrette

Autumn Apple Salad My Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing Secret

By Sarah Chen-MartinezSeptember 2, 2025Updated: September 1, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a salad that sings of autumn? This Autumn Apple & Walnut Salad is the bomb. It uses apple cider vinegar as dressing , offering a tangy twist.

Honestly, it’s a flavour explosion in every bite.

Brief Overview

This salad hails from the classic American harvest tradition. It's surprisingly simple to throw together. Expect a prep time of around 20 minutes and five minutes of cooking.

This recipe makes about four servings, perfect for a small gathering or easy meal prep.

Main Benefits

This salad is packed with nutrients. The apple cider vinegar vinaigrette is a digestion powerhouse. It's the perfect dish for a light lunch or a dinner party side.

What makes it special? The killer combo of sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and that zingy apple cider dressing recipe .

Get Ready to Make the Magic Happen

You know, sometimes I crave a salad that's not just another salad. This one hits the spot every time. It’s light, yet satisfying and full of flavour.

It is so easy that it will be included to your favourite Recipes Using Apple Cider Vinegar .

Let's face it, most shop bought dressings are a bit naff. So why not whip up your own homemade vinaigrette recipes ? Trust me, once you try this apple cider vinegar salad , you'll never go back.

It is a perfect fall salad with apple cider vinegar .

What You'll Need to Whip Up This Beauty

Here is everything for our star Acv Recipes .

Grab your apple cider vinegar : 1/4 cup (60 ml).
Next, olive oil : 1/2 cup (120 ml).
A dollop of Dijon mustard : 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
A touch of honey or maple syrup : 1 tablespoon (15 ml).
Garlic : 1 clove, minced.
Fresh thyme leaves : 1 teaspoon.
Season with salt : 1/4 teaspoon.
Add a pinch of black pepper : 1/8 teaspoon.

That is all for the ingredients, now we just need to prepare the base for our special autumn salad recipe and it is ready.

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's dive into what you'll need to make this Autumn Apple & Walnut Salad sing. Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have, but let's get specific.

This salad is all about those fall flavors.

Main Ingredients

Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup (60 ml) . Get the good stuff! Raw, unfiltered ACV adds zing and is great as a dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Splurge a little, it makes a difference.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . It helps everything come together, emulsifies, you know?
Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . For a touch of sweetness, and a nod to fall.
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
Fresh Thyme Leaves: 1 teaspoon , chopped. (Or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) . Or to taste, naturally.
Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.62 ml) . Also, to taste.
Mixed Greens: 6 cups (about 170g). Your favorite mix will do.
Apples: 2 medium , sliced. Honeycrisp are my go-to!
Walnuts: 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped. Toasted, for extra flavor.
Blue Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , crumbled. Optional, but highly recommended if you like blue cheese.

Seasoning Notes

This salad is all about balance. The apple cider vinegar as dressing gives it that tangy kick. The honey smooths everything out and Dijon mustard rounds the flavors.

I love the thyme that adds a hint of earthiness. If you're not a thyme fan, a pinch of dried rosemary works too.

For a healthy salad dressing you can't go wrong with this combination. It's a delicious apple cider vinaigrette for kale salad or any other greens.

It elevates this into an amazing Autumn salad recipe. This dressing is so good, you'll want to put it on everything .

Equipment Needed

You don't need a fancy setup for this recipe. Just the basics. A bowl for mixing the apple cider vinegar vinaigrette , a whisk, a salad bowl, and something to toast the walnuts.

A baking sheet or pan will work. My grandma always said, "the best tools are the ones you have". It is perfect for those seeking homemade vinaigrette recipes .

With so many recipes using apple cider vinegar , this salad is sure to become a favorite. It will be added to your ACV recipes list, for sure!

Honestly, my first time making this, I almost burned the walnuts! Keep a close eye on them.

Autumn Apple & Walnut Salad: The Perfect Apple Cider Vinegar Salad

Honestly, this Autumn salad recipe is one of my go-to's. It's easy, quick, and always a crowd pleaser. Plus, it uses ingredients you can find at most supermarkets.

I like the subtle sweetness of the apple and nuts, especially when they are paired with the tangy Apple Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette and creamy blue cheese.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place : First, get everything ready. Slice those apples. Chop those walnuts. Get the salad greens washed. This is key to a smooth cooking experience.
Time saving organization tips : Do you know? You can make the dressing a day ahead. It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit!
Safety reminders : Watch those fingers when you're slicing apples! We don't want any casualties.

step-by-step: Salad Assembly Made Simple

Toast walnuts at 350° F ( 175° C) for 5- 7 minutes . Golden brown.
Whisk apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup), olive oil (1/2 cup), Dijon (1 tbsp), honey (1 tbsp), garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste!
Combine mixed greens (6 cups), sliced apples (2), and toasted walnuts (1/2 cup) in a big bowl.
Drizzle with apple cider dressing recipe , tossing gently. Start slow!
Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese (1/4 cup), if you are using it, and serve immediately!

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Vinaigrette for Kale Salad

Don't skip the toasting! Toasting the nuts brings out their nutty flavor. I think walnuts are like a hug on the inside.
Ever over dressed a salad? Uh, me too! Add dressing little by little . Remember, less is more. The key to the perfect Healthy salad dressing is a balance of flavors and textures.
You can make the homemade vinaigrette recipes ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for a few days.

And there you have it! The amazing Fall salad with apple cider vinegar . A salad that’s easy to make and tastes great.

Did you know that salads with apple cider vinegar as dressing and nuts are rich in fiber and healthy fats? I hope you’ll love this ACV recipes salad as much as I do.

Experiment with recipes using apple cider vinegar in salads. Let me know what you come up with!

Recipe Notes That'll Make You Say Wow

Alright, bestie, let’s talk about the nitty gritty. This Autumn Apple & Walnut Salad with Cider Vinaigrette is pretty straightforward, but a few insider tips will take it from "meh" to "OMG!".

Honestly, I've messed up a salad or two in my day, so trust me on these!

Serving Suggestions: It's All About the Vibe

Presentation matters, even if it's just for you! Think about plating this salad with a bit of height. Pile it high on a plate.

A sprig of fresh thyme adds a touch of fancy.

This Apple Cider Vinegar Salad is amazing with grilled chicken or salmon. It brings a fresh counterpoint to the richness.

For drinks? Try sparkling cider. A dry rosé could also work. I had this with squash soup last week and it was divine .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh, Yo

If you have leftovers, store the dressed salad separately from the vinaigrette. No one likes soggy lettuce! Keep the salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

I don't recommend freezing this salad. The greens will turn to mush.

Variations: Your Salad, Your Rules

Want to mix things up? No problem! For a vegan version, ditch the blue cheese. Then swap honey for maple syrup. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and healthy fats.

For a Fall salad with apple cider vinegar , toss in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. These give the salad a hearty, seasonal vibe.

I am absolutely obsessed. In spring or summer, swap the apples for berries. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries would be amazing.

Honestly, I have even used white wine vinegar in a pinch, but add more sweetener. You can substitute feta for blue cheese. Pecans also work well as an alternative for walnuts .

Nutrition Basics: Healthy AND Delicious

This salad is packed with goodness. Apples are full of fiber and antioxidants. Walnuts give you healthy fats and protein.

And the apple cider vinegar as dressing ? That's where the magic is! . Some folks use it to help control their blood sugar.

It also improves digestion.

One serving of this salad has about 350 calories. There are 5 grams of protein and 30 grams of fat.

Plus, there are about 20 grams of carbs. The Acv Recipes helps boost the nutritional value. Use these recipes using apple cider vinegar for some extra health benefits.

Don't be intimidated! This apple cider dressing recipe is so simple. And you’ll be making homemade vinaigrette recipes in no time.

Apple cider vinaigrette for kale salad is another winner. So give it a go! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the apple cider vinegar as dressing ahead of time? I'm planning a "Come Dine With Me" style dinner party!

Absolutely! You can definitely make the apple cider vinegar dressing ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and give it a good shake before using.

You can also toast the walnuts ahead of time to save time during assembly.

I don't have blue cheese, what else can I use in this salad? I'm not trying to be a "cheese snob"!

No worries! You can easily substitute the blue cheese with other types of cheese. Feta or goat cheese would both be great options, offering a similar tangy flavor. Even a shaved Parmesan would add a nice savory element.

Alternatively, you could omit the cheese altogether for a lighter, vegan friendly version just add some extra toasted nuts or seeds for texture and richness.

How long does apple cider vinegar as dressing last, and how should I store leftover dressed salad? I'm trying to be more eco-friendly and avoid food waste.

Unfortunately, dressed salad doesn't last very long as the greens will wilt and become soggy. It's best to dress only the portion you plan to eat immediately. However, you can store the undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

The apple cider vinegar dressing itself can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

I'm watching my sugar intake; can I skip the honey or maple syrup in this apple cider vinegar as dressing recipe?

Yes, absolutely! The honey or maple syrup is primarily to balance the acidity of the apple cider vinegar. If you're watching your sugar, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether. Start by skipping it and then taste the dressing; you may find that the natural sweetness of the apples is enough.

If not, add a tiny amount of your preferred sweetener to taste.

Is raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar really better for this dressing? Does it make a huge difference?

While you can use any apple cider vinegar, raw, unfiltered varieties are often preferred because they contain the "mother," a colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes thought to offer extra health benefits. Flavour wise, it tends to have a slightly more complex and nuanced tang.

However, the difference is subtle, so don't stress if you only have filtered ACV the dressing will still be delicious! If you do find your dressing is missing a certain something, you can add a dash of lemon juice to give it a similar kick.

What other vegetables or fruits can I add to this Autumn Apple & Walnut Salad with Cider Vinaigrette to make it a bit more 'Masterchef' fancy?

To elevate this salad to Masterchef levels, consider adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a warm, autumnal touch. Thinly sliced fennel bulb would also offer a lovely aniseed flavour and delicate crunch. Pomegranate seeds would add pops of jewel toned colour and bursts of sweet tart juice.

For a peppery bite, add some thinly sliced radishes or watercress. These additions will make your salad a true showstopper!