Get ready to transform your autumn dining experience with the most effortless and mouthwatering five-ingredient salad that screams seasonal comfort! This incredibly simple yet elegant dish combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, tangy feta, and fresh mixed greens, all brought together with a luxurious balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect go-to dish for quick lunches, elegant dinner sides, or impressive potluck contributions.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Apples, sliced
- Walnuts, chopped
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cool running water and pat dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Core and thinly slice fresh, crisp apples into uniform half-moon or quarter-moon shapes. For best results, use varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji that maintain crispness.
- Roughly chop raw walnuts into medium-sized pieces. If desired, lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor before chopping.
- In a large serving bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even, fluffy foundation for the salad.
- Artfully arrange sliced apples across the greens, distributing them evenly to ensure each serving gets a good mix of ingredients.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the salad, allowing them to naturally settle between the greens and apple slices.
- Crumble fresh feta cheese over the top, creating small, delicate cheese clusters throughout the salad.
- Just before serving, drizzle balsamic vinaigrette evenly across the salad, using just enough to lightly coat the ingredients without oversaturating.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are lightly coated with dressing and well-distributed.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the greens and the fresh flavor of the ingredients.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Select crisp, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala to ensure maximum crunch and flavor.
- Toast Your Walnuts: Lightly toasting walnuts in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes will intensify their nutty flavor and add depth to the salad.
- Prep Ingredients Just Before Serving: To maintain optimal texture, slice apples and assemble the salad just before serving to prevent browning and wilting.
- Dress Wisely: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette sparingly to enhance, not overwhelm, the fresh ingredients.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right after preparation to preserve the crisp greens and vibrant flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
