Apple Walnut Salad

Vegan Apple Walnut Salad is a refreshing and vivid dish that completely complies with the guidelines of a vegan diet. It is packed with fresh vegetables and plant-based protein items like chickpeas. The crushed walnuts provide a crunchy flavor, while the apples create a sweet texture. The dressing of this salad is made with Dijon mustard, vegan-friendly sweetener, and apple cider vinegar which gives a tangy flavor. This delicious vegan Apple Walnut Salad is simple to create and gluten-free. Let’s prepare the salad with the instructions and items (mentioned below).

STATS

• Course: Light lunch, Salad & dressing, Side dish
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten-free, Vegan, Dairy-free, Vegetarian, Soy-free
• Method: Raw
• Total Time: Ten minutes
• Preparation Time: Ten minutes

EQUIPMENT

• A sharp knife
• One bowl
• Closed container
• One spoon
• Serving Bowl or plate

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION OF SALAD

• Diced apple 1
• Shredded red cabbage 1 cup
• Celery stalks 3
• One chickpea can, approx. 14 ounces
• A half cup of spinach
• Crushed walnuts 1/2 cup

For the Sweet Dijon Vinaigrette

• Olive oil 2 tbsps
• Apple cider vinegar 2 tbsps
• Dijon mustard 1 tbsp
• 1 tbsp of pure agave nectar or maple syrup

INGREDIENT NOTES

Apples:

• We used a combination of sweet and tart apples such as Gala, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith works well for this salad.

Walnuts:

• It gives a rich and earthy taste that goes well with this apple salad.

Spinach:

• Try this salad with different green vegetables like arugula, romaine lettuce, or mixed greens.

Chickpea:

• We used canned chickpeas. You can also boil the raw chickpeas at home.

Agave nectar:

• I used a vegan-friendly sweetener to maintain the diet.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut the celery stalk and apple into finely diced sizes with a knife.
2. Next, chop the spinach and red cabbage.
3. Then, add the celery stalks, apple, spinach, cabbage, walnuts, and chickpea can to a bowl.
4. Put aside the bowl for four to six minutes.
5. At the same, prepare the Sweet Dijon Vinaigrette salad dressing.
6. Add agave nectar, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard to a container.
7. Tightly cover the container with its cap.
8. Now, stir the container until all ingredients mix well.
9. After that, drizzle the dressing over the chopped vegetables.
10. Mix all items with a spoon so the dressing merges well with the other items.
11. The crunchy and healthy Apple Walnut Salad is ready.
12. Shift the salad to a small plate or bowl.
13. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts and serve.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

• Spread the salad to a whole-wheat wrap with mixed greens and vegan cheese.
• Pair this crispy salad with lentil loaf and vegan roasted vegetables.
• Enjoy it with vegan mushroom stroganoff.
• Serve this dish with cubed-sized baked tofu.
• Sweet potato enchiladas, grilled tempeh, or mushroom risotto also pair well with this salad.

TIPS

• Choose a flavorful vinegar like apple cider to add flavor to the dressing.
• Utilize different sorts of raw nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or cashews.
• Try this salad recipe with a hint of spices.
• Include some umami-rich items like mushrooms or soy sauce.
• Select firm and good-quality apples.
• Toast the nuts before preparing the salad.
• Incorporate fresh herbs like mint, thyme, or thyme into the salad.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Before preparation:

• It is suggested to prepare the salad ingredients separately and assemble the salad right before serving to avoid the greens wilting. You can prepare the dressing in advance.

Fridge:

• Save the apple salad in a sealed box and refrigerate it for whole one day.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

• Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and pecans are good replacements for walnuts. But walnuts add a deep earthy flavor that goes well with apples.

How do we protect the apples from getting brown?

• You can use apples that are less likely to brown, such as Granny Smith or you can sprinkle the apples with vinegar or lemon juice to keep them from browning.

Can we incorporate other kinds of fresh fruits to prepare this salad?

• Yes, you can prepare this salad with other types of fruits such as pears or grapes. But apples provide a nice crunch and flavor.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION/SERVING:

Serving amount 1 salad bowl
Total servings 4
Total Calories 209 kcal
Carbohydrates 14 g
Dietary Fiber 3 g
Protein 3 g
Sugar 9 g
Total Fat 17 g
Iron 1 mg