Green Salad with Spiced Walnuts and Orange Vinaigrette
A fresh mixed green salad by warm-spiced walnuts glazed with cinnamon and cumin, then tossed in a bright orange vinaigrette. The contrast of crispy celery, sweet-tart Granny Smith apple, and aromatic nuts creates layers of flavor and texture. Perfect as a side dish for fall dinners or holiday meals, this salad balances sweet, savory, and tangy elements beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 cup walnut halves, shelled, toastedpecans or almonds1:1tree_nuts
similar crunch and flavor
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large head red-leaf lettuce, or 2 small headsmixed greens or spinach1:1none
different texture but works well
- 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
Instructions
- 1
Whisk sugar, olive oil, water, salt, cinnamon, and cumin in a large skillet
- 2
Add walnuts and toss to coat
- 3
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until nuts are crisp and slightly glazed
- 4
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, orange zest, and orange juice in a large bowl
- 5
Season dressing with salt and pepper
- 6
Add torn lettuce to the bowl
- 7
Add celery and apple
- 8
Toss to combine
- 9
Top with spiced walnuts and serve
Tips
Toast walnuts beforehand if using raw nuts for deeper flavor
Prepare spiced walnuts up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight container
Cut apple just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with lemon juice
Good to Know
Refrigerate salad components separately up to 1 day. Store spiced walnuts at room temperature up to 3 days.
Spiced walnuts can be made 2 days ahead. Prepare dressing day before serving.
Serve immediately after tossing to prevent wilting. Best at room temperature.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook walnuts or they'll become bitter and burn
Add apple just before serving to prevent browning
Don't dress salad until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens
Substitutions
similar crunch and flavor
different texture but works well
FAQ
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds work well. Adjust cooking time as smaller nuts may cook faster than walnut halves.
How long will the spiced walnuts keep?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They'll lose crispness over time but remain flavorful.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving. The spiced walnuts and dressing can be made 1-2 days ahead.