Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad

If you’re craving a salad that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and crunchy, the Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad is exactly what you need. This vibrant dish combines crisp mixed greens with juicy diced apples, toasted walnuts, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and a zesty apple cider vinaigrette. Toss in some tender cooked chicken breast, and you have a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. It’s a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will quickly become a staple in your recipe lineup.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a meal that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Unlike heavy, creamy salads, this one offers a light yet filling option that’s bursting with flavor and texture. The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, while the Gorgonzola cheese provides a creamy tang that complements the sweetness of the apple and dried cranberries beautifully. Plus, adding cooked chicken breast turns this into a protein-packed dish that keeps you energized throughout the day.

If you enjoy salads like the Italian Grinder Antipasto Chicken Salad or want to explore other creative chicken salad options, this recipe fits perfectly into that category with its unique twist. It’s versatile enough to serve as a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning dish to bring to a gathering.

What You’ll Gather

• 4 cups mixed salad greens – a fresh, crisp base of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine works beautifully.
• 1 large apple, diced – choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted – toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds crunch.
• 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese – this adds a creamy, tangy depth.
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries – for bursts of natural sweetness.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced – adds a mild sharpness that balances the other flavors.
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced – lean protein to make the salad more filling.
• 1/4 cup olive oil – forms the base of the dressing with healthy fats.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – adds brightness and acidity to the dressing.
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for seasoning.

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Large mixing bowl – to combine all your salad ingredients evenly.
• Small bowl or jar – perfect for whisking or shaking together the dressing.
• Knife and cutting board – for dicing apples, slicing onions, and chopping chicken.
• Toaster oven or skillet – to toast the walnuts and bring out their flavor.
• Salad tongs or spoons – for tossing the salad gently without bruising delicate greens.

Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by washing and drying the mixed salad greens thoroughly. Dice the apple into bite-sized cubes, ensuring you remove the core and seeds. Thinly slice the red onion to add just the right amount of bite without overpowering the salad. Dice the cooked chicken breast into small, uniform pieces for easy eating.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts

Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently and toast them until they’re fragrant and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch, which is an essential texture contrast in this salad. Once toasted, let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. The olive oil provides a smooth, rich base, while the apple cider vinegar adds a bright, tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the apple and cranberries beautifully. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In your large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apple, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, toasted walnuts, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and diced chicken breast. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. This dish can be served immediately to enjoy the crispness of the greens and apples, or chilled briefly for a refreshing, cool salad experience.

Better-for-You Options

• Swap the Gorgonzola cheese for feta if you prefer a milder cheese with less fat.
• Use grilled chicken breast for a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the salad.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if you want a different nutty crunch.
• Opt for a light drizzle of honey in the dressing for added natural sweetness without refined sugar.
• Choose organic mixed greens for a nutrient boost and to avoid pesticides.

Insider Tips

• To prevent the diced apples from browning, toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
• For extra texture, add some crunchy celery or cucumber slices.
• If you like, swap the apple cider vinegar for white balsamic vinegar for a slightly sweeter dressing profile.
• Don’t over-dress the salad; start with half the dressing and add more as needed to keep the greens crisp.
• Chop the salad ingredients roughly the same size to ensure every bite has a balanced mix of flavors.

Shelf Life & Storage

This Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the greens and apples. If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad components will keep well for up to 2 days, but the apples may start to brown and soften over time. When ready to serve again, toss the salad with the dressing just before eating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Questions People Ask

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cooked chicken breast, and the salad remains delicious and filling thanks to the walnuts and cheese. You could also add chickpeas or grilled tofu to boost the protein content.

What type of apples work best in this salad?

Choose crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Their firm texture holds up well in the salad and adds a refreshing sweetness that balances the tangy Gorgonzola cheese.

How do I toast walnuts without a skillet?

You can toast walnuts in the oven by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to check and stir them halfway to prevent burning.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and combine everything just before serving to preserve the salad’s texture and freshness.

More from the Kitchen

• Caesar Salad – A classic favorite with crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
• Italian Grinder Antipasto Chicken Salad – Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Grilled Nectarine Chicken Caprese Salad – A fresh take on a summertime favorite.

Next Steps

Ready to add some crunch and zest to your salad repertoire? Gather your ingredients and try this Apple Walnut Gorgonzola Chopped Salad today. It’s quick to assemble, full of flavor, and perfect for any season. Once you fall in love with this salad, don’t hesitate to experiment by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite toppings. Remember, a great salad is all about layering textures and tastes to create a harmonious bite every time. Enjoy!

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