Best 2 Zesty Apple Salad Recipes

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Zesty Apple Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the crisp crunch of apples with a tangy, sweet, and savory dressing. This refreshing salad is not only a delight to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, boasting vibrant colors and textures. This article offers a collection of delectable recipes that explore the versatility of apples in salads, taking you on a culinary journey through unique flavor combinations and delightful textures. From the classic Waldorf Salad, with its combination of apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, to the innovative Sweet Potato and Apple Salad, which boasts a delightful blend of roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and a tangy honey mustard dressing, these recipes showcase the endless possibilities of apple salads.

**Recipes included in the article:**

* Zesty Apple Salad: A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring crisp apples, tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty dressing.
* Waldorf Salad: A classic combination of crisp apples, celery, and walnuts bound together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing.
* Sweet Potato and Apple Salad: A unique and flavorful salad that combines roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and a tangy honey mustard dressing.
* Apple and Quinoa Salad: A healthy and satisfying salad featuring quinoa, crisp apples, roasted butternut squash, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
* Apple and Gorgonzola Salad: A sophisticated and elegant salad that combines crisp apples, creamy gorgonzola cheese, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
* Apple and Kale Salad: A nutritious and refreshing salad featuring crisp apples, hearty kale, roasted chickpeas, and a tangy lemon-tahini dressing.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ZESTY NAPA SLAW

Zesty Napa Slaw image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced, about 6 cups
6 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
1 orange or yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 red apple
2 cups watercress leaves

Steps:

Whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt and pepper, to taste, in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing. Add the cabbage, scallions, and bell pepper and toss until the vegetables are coated. Serve now or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Before serving, grate the apple (with the skin but not the seeds) directly into the slaw, add the watercress leaves, and toss again. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 122 calorie, Fat 9.5 grams, SaturatedFat 1.5 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fiber 3 grams

COPYCAT ZESTY APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Copycat Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette image

I am a big fan of Chick-fil-A's® grilled market salad and their signature zesty apple cider vinaigrette! So, I developed a recipe to fill that craving. This dressing is simply amazing... the zing of the apple cider vinegar, hint of sweet pineapple and tangy lime juice, and warm heat of the freshly cracked black pepper is a sure winner!

Provided by Lisa Buckholts

Time 10m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 tablespoon water
1 teaspoon white sugar
⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum
10 tablespoons vegetable oil
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons pineapple juice
2 teaspoons lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

Combine water, sugar, and xanthan gum in a small bowl; whisk to create a smooth gel with no lumps.
Combine vegetable oil, vinegar, honey, pineapple juice, lime juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a medium bowl. Whisk in xanthan gum gel until dressing is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. Transfer to a vinaigrette bottle and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 152.3 calories, Carbohydrate 8.3 g, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 0.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.1 g, Sodium 234.9 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

Tips:

Select firm, crisp apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady varieties hold their shape well in salads and provide a refreshing crunch.
Slice apples thinly: This helps the dressing evenly coat each piece and enhances the salad's texture.
Use a variety of nuts: Walnuts, pecans, and almonds add a nutty flavor and texture to the salad. You can also use a combination of nuts for a more complex flavor profile.
Choose a flavorful cheese: Blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta cheese add a tangy, salty flavor to the salad. You can also use a milder cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, if you prefer.
Make a tangy dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey is a great option for this salad. You can also add some herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for extra flavor.
Serve immediately: Apple salad is best served immediately after it is made. The apples will start to brown if they sit for too long, so enjoy it fresh.

Conclusion:

Zesty apple salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and healthy dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet apples, crunchy nuts, tangy cheese, and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you're looking for a light and delicious salad, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!