Green Salad with Spiced Walnuts and Orange Vinaigrette

Name: Green Salad with Spiced Walnuts and Orange Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp sugar; 1 tsp olive oil; 2 tbsp water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 cup walnut halves, shelled, toasted; 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 heads; 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced; 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced

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.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 2 min
Yield: 6 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: American

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Gluten-Free Dairy-Free

Ingredients

6 servings

2 tsp sugar
1 tsp olive oil
2 tbsp water
½ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cumin
1 cup walnut halves, shelled, toasted
pecans or almonds1:1tree_nuts
similar crunch and flavor
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
balsamic or apple cider vinegar1:1none
changes flavor profile
Full guide →
2 tsp orange zest
2 tbsp orange juice
salt and pepper, to taste
1 large head red-leaf lettuce, or 2 small heads
mixed greens or spinach1:1none
different texture but works well
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced
pear or Honeycrisp apple1:1none
different sweetness level
Full guide →

Method

9 steps

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

Tip 1

Toast walnuts beforehand if using raw nuts for deeper flavor

Tip 2

Prepare spiced walnuts up to 2 days ahead and store in airtight container

Tip 3

Cut apple just before serving to prevent browning, or toss with lemon juice

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate salad components separately up to 1 day. Store spiced walnuts at room temperature up to 3 days.

Make Ahead

Spiced walnuts can be made 2 days ahead. Prepare dressing day before serving.

Serve With

Serve immediately after tossing to prevent wilting. Best at room temperature.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overcook walnuts or they'll become bitter and burn

Watch

Add apple just before serving to prevent browning

Watch

Don't dress salad until ready to serve to avoid soggy greens

Substitutions

walnut halves→

pecans or almonds1:1tree_nuts

similar crunch and flavor

red-leaf lettuce→

mixed greens or spinach1:1none

different texture but works well

Granny Smith apple→

pear or Honeycrisp apple1:1none

different sweetness level

Full guide →

red wine vinegar→

balsamic or apple cider vinegar1:1none

changes flavor profile

Full guide →

Find more substitutions →

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.