This Fried Apple Salad with Grapes and Walnuts is a tasty salad topped with a simple honey-balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick, easy lunch or side dish.
If you’re looking to add a bit of warmth and seasonal flavor to your salads, this Fried Apple Salad with Grapes and Walnuts does just that.
It’s an easy dish that combines crisp greens with sweet grapes, crunchy walnuts, and the star of the show—tender fried apples seasoned with cinnamon.
It’s the kind of salad that feels fresh yet comforting at the same time.
Think of it as the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with a bit of nutty crunch and a light honey-balsamic dressing to tie everything together.
I’ve always found that adding a warm element to a salad transforms the dish into something special. In this case, the apples bring a slight caramelized sweetness, softened just enough to complement the crisp lettuce and peppery arugula.
And the beauty of this salad is that it’s quite simple to prepare and versatile enough to be served as a light lunch, an elegant starter, or a side to something heartier like Pesto Chicken or pork tenderloin.
Jump to:
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- Flavor Extravaganza: This salad is a symphony of flavors - sweet grapes, nutty walnuts, savory greens, and warm, spiced apples. Every bite is an adventure for your taste buds.
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, this salad is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions.
- Versatile: You can tweak this salad to your liking - switch up the greens, use your favorite apple variety, or play with the dressing ingredients. It's customizable to suit your preferences.
- Impressive Presentation: Want to impress your guests? This salad looks stunning on a plate. It's the perfect appetizer for dinner parties or a delightful side dish.
What does it taste like?
This Fried Apple Salad is a bit of everything—fresh, warm, crunchy, and slightly sweet.
The apples, lightly fried with cinnamon, are soft yet hold their shape, bringing warmth and sweetness. The grapes add a refreshing juiciness, while the walnuts provide a rich, earthy crunch.
Then there’s the honey-Dijon dressing, which has just enough tang from the balsamic to keep everything balanced.
Ingredients
- For the salad:
Seedless Grapes: Red or green, these little gems add sweetness and a burst of color to the salad. You can use your favorite variety. - Walnuts: They bring the crunch and nutty flavor. Almonds or pecans work as great alternatives.
- Mixed Salad Greens: A combination of lettuce, spinach, arugula, or any greens you prefer. It's all about personal taste.
- For the Fried Apples:
- Apples: Pick your favorite variety; they'll become tender and delicious when fried.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, buttery caramelization on the apples.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- For the Dressing:
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Provides a silky texture and a hint of fruity notes.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Offers a tangy kick.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and a touch of sharpness.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to your preference.
Substitutions: Don't hesitate to get creative! Use different nuts like almonds or pecans, or swap the grapes for berries or sliced strawberries if you prefer.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Variations
- Cheesy Delight: Crumble some feta, blue cheese, or goat cheese on top for a creamy, tangy twist.
- Protein Boost: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Or try with Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
- Vegan Friendly: Replace butter with coconut oil for frying the apples, and skip the cheese to make it completely plant-based.
- Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
- Switch the Nuts: Pecans or almonds are great alternatives to walnuts.
- Different Fruits: Try substituting apples with pears or even peaches for a seasonal twist.
- Different Greens: Kale or romaine can add more crunch or heartiness to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it as a light lunch with a piece of crusty bread.
- Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome dinner.
- Make it a part of your potluck spread; it's sure to stand out.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for a refreshing combination.
Storage Advice
Spiced Fried Apple Salad with Walnuts and Grapes is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the textures and flavors.
However, if you have leftovers, store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the fried apples in the fridge, and the salad components and dressing in separate containers. Assemble them just before serving to maintain the crispness of the salad.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this Spiced Apple Salad recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
1. Fry the Apples:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced apples, cinnamon and salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and mixed salad greens. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the grape and walnut mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Arrange the salad greens on individual plates.
Top each plate with the grape and walnut mixture, distributing evenly.
Spoon the warm fried apples over the salads.
5. Serve:
Serve the grape salad with walnuts and fried apples immediately as a delightful appetizer or side dish. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Cool the Apples: Let the fried apples cool slightly before adding them to the salad. Warm apples on crisp greens create a delightful contrast.
- Dressing Distribution: Add the dressing just before serving to avoid a soggy salad. Drizzle it evenly to coat all ingredients.
- Customize Greens: Mix and match your favorite salad greens to tailor the salad to your taste. Try baby spinach, peppery arugula, or crunchy Romaine.
- Nuts on Top: For an extra crunch, sprinkle some walnuts on top of the finished salad just before serving.
FAQ
Yes, it's a good idea to peel the apples for this recipe. The peel can become tough when fried, and removing it ensures a smoother texture.
While it's best to assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness, you can prepare the individual components separately and combine them when you're ready to serve. Keep the apples, salad greens, and dressing in separate containers until it's time to plate up your apple salad.
📖 Recipe
Spiced Fried Apple Salad
Equipment
- Bowl
- Frying Pan
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup seedless grapes red or green, washed and halved
- ½ cup walnuts roughly chopped
- 2 cups mixed salad greens lettuce, spinach, arugula etc..
For the Fried Apples:
- 2 apples your favorite variety, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and mixed salad greens. Toss gently to mix and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples, cinnamon and salt, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the grape and walnut mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Arrange the salad greens on individual plates.
- Top each plate with the grape and walnut mixture, distributing evenly.
- Spoon the warm fried apples over the salads.
- Serve the grape salad with walnuts and fried apples immediately as a delightful appetizer or side dish. You can also add some crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Angela
Love the combo of grapes and walnuts in this salads. So easy to make too!
Chenee
I never would have thought about making a salad out of these ingredients, but it really was amazing!
Kim
That dressing was heavenly. I loved the textures in the salad too.
Andrea
This was marvelous. I've only had fried apples as a side dish or with dessert so it was great to try it on salad. I made double apples so I could have it on my oatmeal in the mroning.