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.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

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

ROASTED APPLE SALAD WITH SPICY MAPLE-CIDER VINAIGRETTE

Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette image

We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. -Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

4 medium Fuji, Gala or other firm apples, quartered
2 tablespoons olive oil
DRESSING:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon Sriracha chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
SALAD:
1 package (5 ounces) spring mix salad greens
4 pitted dates, quartered
1 log (4 ounces) fresh goat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Place apples in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan; drizzle with oil and toss to coat. Roast 20-30 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely., In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until blended. In a large bowl, combine salad greens and dates. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss to coat., Divide mixture among 8 plates. Top with goat cheese and roasted apples; sprinkle with pecans. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 13g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 9mg cholesterol, Sodium 240mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

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!