No oven required, this apple walnut blue cheese salad is packed with greens and loaded with flavor. It’s a cinch to put together, and is refreshing on a hot summer day!
I’ll admit it, I’m not a big salad lover. I mean, I love LETTUCE, but I love it when it’s packed with bacon, salami, creamy dressing, and about four types of cheese crumbles. Not exactly the healthiest option! This apple walnut blue cheese salad, however, is the perfect balance between creamy and healthy. It’s boasts fresh crisp Granny Smith apples, buttery chopped walnuts, luscious blue cheese crumbles, and plenty of good-for-you-greens. Add your favorite dressing, and you’ve got a perfect summer meal with no heat required.
What you’ll need to make this apple walnut blue cheese salad:
Spring Greens of choice
Walnuts
Granny Smith apples
Blue cheese crumbles
Dressing of choice
Putting it all Together
This salad is about as easy as it comes. Start with a large bowl, and add your spring greens + any extras that you’d like. I love my salads heavy on romaine, but others prefer more spinach or arugula. It’s all about personal preference with this dish.
Next, add the toppings, as much or as little as you’d like. I’ll give my proportions in the recipe box, but truly this is about what you prefer and what you want to enjoy on your greens. Add peppers or cucumbers. Sub pecans for walnuts. Add feta and some balsamic dressing. Add some protein such as sliced grilled chicken or bacon bits. It’s fully customizable and ready for you to make it your own!
Dietary Substitutes
There are several products that can make this amazing salad dairy free and vegan. Daiya makes a dairy free blue cheese dressing that can be found online at Thrive Market. Full of Plants has a vegan blue cheese recipe that would work great for the crumbles.
If you prefer ranch dressing, Primal Kitchen has an excellent vegan ranch dressing. We use this brand often in our house, as their sauces and dressings are all paleo friendly and delicious. They are all made with wholesome, real ingredients and never any sugar.
I hope you love this delicious summer salad! If you’re looking for a good savory pairing, this Veggie Garlic Naan Pizza would be a wonderful dinner companion to the salad!
XO,
Heather
Apple Walnut Blue Cheese Salad
Ingredients
- 1 5oz pack of organic spring mix, or green mix of choice
- ¾ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples
- Blue cheese dressing to taste, or dressing of choice
Instructions
- Wash and dry greens and apple.
- In a large salad bowl, add greens. Top with walnuts, blue cheese crumbles, and diced apples.
- Prior to serving, add dressing or serve on the side.
- Serves 4-6 as a side, or 2-4 as a main dish. Add grilled chicken for some extra protein, or crumbled bacon. Store any leftovers in the fridge overnight, preferably without dressing. Enjoy!
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