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- 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, and kale) - 1 small red apple, cored and thinly sliced - 1/4 cup dried cranberries - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted - 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste When I create a Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad, I start with fresh greens. I love mixing arugula, spinach, and kale. This combo adds flavor and a nice crunch. Then, I slice a small red apple. The sweetness of the apple pairs well with the salty blue cheese. Next, I sprinkle in dried cranberries. They add a pop of color and a sweet burst. Thin slices of red onion give a sharp taste that balances the other flavors. Now, for the key components: toasted walnuts and blue cheese. Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty flavor. Blue cheese adds a creamy, tangy touch that brings the salad to life. For the dressing, I use extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This mix creates a nice balance of rich, tart, and sweet. A pinch of sea salt and black pepper lifts all the flavors, making each bite exciting. With these ingredients, my Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad is simple, fresh, and full of taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide I’ve shared! Toasting walnuts boosts their flavor. Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the hot skillet. Stir them often for about five minutes. You want them to turn golden and smell nutty. Once toasted, take them off the heat. Let them cool completely before using. Next, gather your salad greens. I like to mix arugula, spinach, and kale. This mix gives a nice crunch and flavor. Take four cups of these greens. Rinse them well under cold water. Spin them dry in a salad spinner. Place the greens in a large salad bowl. This will be the base of your salad. For the dressing, grab a small mixing bowl. Combine three tablespoons of olive oil. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Then, stir in one tablespoon of honey. Whisk these ingredients until smooth. Taste the dressing. Add a pinch of sea salt and some black pepper. Adjust these to your liking. A little salt enhances the flavors. If you like it sweeter, add more honey. Now comes the fun part—assembling the salad. Start with the mixed greens in your bowl. Evenly sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the greens. Then, add the crumbled blue cheese. Next, layer on the thin apple slices. Finally, toss in the dried cranberries and red onion. Right before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat everything. Be careful not to crush the greens or apples. This keeps the salad looking fresh and inviting. Serve it in individual bowls or in one big bowl for sharing. Enjoy the blend of flavors in every bite! For more details, you can check the Full Recipe. Toasting walnuts adds flavor and crunch. Here’s how to do it right: - Avoiding Burnt Nuts: Use a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir often and watch closely. They can burn quickly. Toast for about 5 minutes until golden and fragrant. - Flavor Enhancements: For extra taste, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt or cinnamon while toasting. This adds a nice touch to the walnuts. Dressing can change the whole salad. Here are some ideas: - Substituting Different Oils or Vinegars: Try avocado oil or balsamic vinegar for a new twist. Each oil or vinegar brings its own flavor profile. - Adding Herbs for Flavor: Fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate your dressing. Add finely chopped herbs to make it pop. How you serve matters. Consider these tips: - Bowl vs Plate Presentation: Serving in individual bowls looks nice and makes it easy to eat. A large bowl works well for sharing. - Garnishing Ideas: Top with extra blue cheese or whole walnuts for a nice finish. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can add grilled chicken or tofu to this salad. Chicken gives a nice flavor and extra protein. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. It absorbs flavors well. You can marinate it with herbs and spices for more taste. Another way to boost the nutrients is by adding quinoa. Quinoa is a superfood packed with protein. It cooks quickly and adds a nutty flavor. Just cook it and let it cool before mixing it into the salad. If you want to change the flavor, try different cheeses. Feta cheese is a good alternative to blue cheese. It has a tangy taste that many enjoy. Goat cheese also works well, giving a creamy texture. For those who prefer vegan options, use a dairy-free cheese. Cashew cheese is a tasty choice. You can also find many store-bought vegan cheeses today that taste great. Add seasonal fruits to keep the salad fresh and exciting. Apples are great in the fall, but you can try pears in winter. Summer brings berries, and they add sweetness. Don’t forget about seasonal greens. Mixed greens are always a good choice, but you can switch to arugula in the spring. Each season offers new flavors to explore in your salad. For the full recipe, check out the Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad. To keep your walnut and blue cheese salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent wilting and sogginess. Place the salad in the fridge and eat it within three days for the best taste. If you have leftovers, avoid mixing the dressing in until you are ready to eat. This keeps the greens crisp and the flavors bright. Can you freeze salad? No, it is not a good idea. Freezing can change the texture of the greens and the cheese. When thawed, the salad will not taste fresh. If you want to save ingredients, freeze the walnuts and cheese separately. They will keep well for a few months. You can prepare parts of the salad ahead of time. Wash and dry the greens and store them in the fridge. Toast the walnuts and keep them in a sealed container. You can also slice the apple and onion in advance. Just remember to assemble everything right before serving. This ensures your salad remains fresh and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad. - Nut-free alternatives: You can use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These add crunch. - Other nut options: Almonds or pecans work well. They give a nice flavor too. - Dairy-free cheese substitutes: Try using cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. They add creaminess. - Omitting honey from the dressing: Replace honey with maple syrup for sweetness. - Suggestions for making it heartier: Add cooked quinoa or farro for extra texture. - Pairing it with a protein source: Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas can make it filling. - Best practices for meal prepping salads: Keep the dressing separate until serving. It stays fresh that way. - Tips on keeping ingredients fresh throughout the week: Store greens in a dry container. Use paper towels to absorb moisture. For the full recipe, check out Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad. This salad combines fresh greens, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts. I showed how to make a simple dressing and customize your mix. You can even adapt it for different seasons or dietary needs. Remember, preparing ahead can save time. With easy storage tips, you’ll enjoy this salad any day. Try adding your favorite protein or cheese for flair. Fresh ingredients and smart prep set you up for success. Enjoy your tasty bowl of vibrant flavors!

44. Walnut and Blue Cheese Salad

Discover the deliciousness of Walnut & Blue Cheese Delight Salad, a perfect blend of flavors and textures! This easy recipe combines mixed greens, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, apple slices, and a tangy dressing that elevates any meal. Ideal for lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad is sure to impress. Ready to enjoy a fresh and healthy dish? Click through for the full recipe and savor every bite!
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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, cored and thinly sliced

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they develop a golden color and release their fragrance. Once toasted, remove them from the heat and allow them to cool completely.

    Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until fully emulsified. Season with a pinch of sea salt and several cracks of freshly ground black pepper; taste and adjust the seasoning as preferred.

      Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, place the mixed greens as the base. Evenly distribute the toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, thin apple slices, dried cranberries, and red onion on top of the greens.

        Dress the Salad: Just before serving, gently drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss with care to ensure the ingredients are lightly coated, taking care not to crush the delicate greens and apple slices.

          Serve: For an elegant presentation, serve the salad in individual bowls garnished with a sprinkle of additional crumbled blue cheese or a few whole walnuts. Alternatively, keep it in the large bowl for a communal experience, allowing everyone to help themselves.

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