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    Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Apple & Fennel Salad w/ Walnuts & Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

    Published: Sep 26, 2014 · Modified: Oct 5, 2018 by Marissa Stevens · 6 Comments

    Gluten FreeVegetarian

    This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Just when I start to lament the end of summer and all of the juicy nectarines we've been eating, fall shows up with crisp, delicious apples.

    Apple-Fennel-Salad-Walnuts-Maple-Dijon-Vinaigrette

    A couple of weeks ago we did one of our favorite there and back hikes (not a loop) - 8 miles of pine forest and waterfalls, past Tumalo Falls up the North Fork Trail to Happy Valley. We had two honeycrisp apples in our packs - the first of the year. A reward for reaching the half way point at Happy Valley. I won't lie, despite the mind blowing natural beauty, my thoughts often drifted to my waiting treat. Would it be everything I hoped for: crisp, sweet, juicy? It did not disappoint. 

    Tumalo-Falls

    I'd intended to use honeycrisp apples for this salad, but there weren't any at the farmer's market. Instead I bought the only variety I could find at a small stall on the edge of the market. They were small, red streaked and felt crisp. When I asked what kind of apples they were, "I don't know, I picked them off my neighbor's tree." was the reply. At $2 a pound I didn't mind.

    This is the easiest salad to prepare - you can make it in about 10 minutes, including the maple dijon vinaigrette. About the vinaigrette, it's delicious on this but would also brighten any kind of green or pasta salad or could be used as a marinade for chicken or pork. As for the apple variety, just use your favorite. I love to serve this with a hot bowl of soup like Tomato Bisque, French Onion Soup, Winter Squash Soup or Pasta e Fagioli.

    Speaking of which, what is your favorite apple variety? Is crispness or flavor more important to you?

    Apple and Fennel Salad with Walnuts and Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

    Marissa Stevens
    Any variety of apple will work here; use your favorite! This is written for two but could easily be doubled, tripled or more.
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Total Time 15 mins
    Course Salad
    Servings 2 people
    Calories 333 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Vinaigrette

    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
    • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    For the Salad

    • 1 large apple or 2 small, cored and thinly sliced
    • 1 small fennel bulb cored and cut into thin strips
    • ¼ cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
    • shaved Pecorino Romano cheese to taste

    Instructions
     

    • To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl whisk together the first 4 ingredients (maple syrup through chives). Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    • Add apple slices and fennel strips to a medium bowl. Pour vinaigrette over and toss to coat and combine. Divide between two serving bowls. Top each with ½ of the chopped walnuts and several shavings of Pecorino Romano cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 333kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 91mgPotassium: 668mgFiber: 6gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 270IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.
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      Recipe Rating




    1. debspots says

      November 18, 2014 at 4:36 pm

      I like crisp with a good balance of sweet and tart. Jonagold or honeycrisp for me! Mutsu maybe.

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        November 18, 2014 at 5:10 pm

        I agree!

        Reply
    2. Cate @ Chez CateyLou says

      September 30, 2014 at 6:47 am

      This salad is gorgeous! I love al the flavors you used, so fresh and delicious!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 30, 2014 at 9:23 am

        Thanks so much, Cate!

        Reply
    3. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      September 27, 2014 at 2:10 am

      Hehe I love that you were distracted by the food! I'm the same way! If I know I have something delicious coming up that's all I can think about 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 27, 2014 at 11:57 am

        Kindred spirits. you and I. 🙂

        Reply

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