Green Apple Salad
Crisp greens, roasted parsnip, and crunchy apples topped with a lemon vinaigrette – this green apple salad with local greens and spring/summer produce is the perfect light and easy meal as the weather warms up. It’s loaded with incredible flavors & textures and is sure to be a staple this summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This green apple salad is the perfect light & fresh summer meal.
- It is packed with seasonal produce.
- Perfect for a summer cookout.
- Great for serving a crowd.
- It is naturally gluten free and can be easily made dairy free.
- The lemon vinaigrette is to die for.
- It is packed with incredible flavor & lots of textures.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Greens of choice. My favorite greens to use for this green apple salad are BrightFarms spring mix. They are crisp and perfectly crunchy. Feel free to use whatever greens you prefer.
- Parsnips. 2 large parsnips, sliced into matchsticks.
- Apple. Apple of choice, cut into matchsticks. I used a sweet green apple but any apple works.
- Parmesan cheese. Grated or shaved parmesan cheese adds great flavor. You can omit it for dairy free.
- Pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds add a crunch and also some healthy fats. You can use pine nuts or pistachios as well.
- Extra virgin olive oil. The base of the dressing, you want to choose a good quality olive oil here.
- Apple cider vinegar. This gives the dressing a tangy flavor.
- Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard gives a slight bitter and sweet flavor.
- Lemon. Juice from half a lemon, gives a slight acidic flavor.
- Seasonings. Dried oregano, thyme, salt and pepper are used in the dressing.
How to Make
Step 1
Roast the parsnips. Preheat the oven to 425. Toss parsnips with olive oil and salt. Roast for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2
Make the salad dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar and whisk until fully combined. Set in the aside until salad is ready.
Step 3
Assemble the salad. Add BrightFarms greens to a large bowl, followed by roasted parsnips, apples, pumpkin seeds, and parmesan. Toss until fully combined. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss again until fully coated.
Step 4
Serve & enjoy. Serve this green apple salad as a side dish or add protein of choice for a balanced meal.
Expert Tips
- Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a perfectly balanced meal. I did mine with grilled chicken and it was delicious.
- To save time, cook the parsnips ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the fridge. In a separate bowl add greens, apples, seeds, and parmesan. Store dressing in a glass jar with a lid. Toss everything together until fully combined when ready to eat.
- To make it dairy free, omit the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I serve this green apple salad?
Serve as a side dish or pair with protein of choice for a perfectly balanced meal.
How do I store it?
Allow parsnips to fully cool. Then store salad with parsnips, apple, seeds, and parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge. In a separate airtight container, store dressing.
Is it allergy friendly?
This salad is gluten free and nut free. It can easily be made dairy free and paleo when you omit the parmesan.
You May Also Like
- Greek Lamb Meatballs Bowl
- Root Vegetable Salad
- Tahini Caesar Salad
- Avocado Herb Salad
- Green Goddess Salad
Green Apple Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups greens of choice, I used BrightFarms spring mix
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 2 apples, cut into matchsticks
- 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup parmesan, shaved or grated
Dressing
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the parsnips. Preheat the oven to 425. Toss parsnips with olive oil and salt. Roast for about 15-20 minutes.
- Make the salad dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a jar and whisk until fully combined. Set in the aside until salad is ready.
- Assemble the salad. Add BrightFarms greens to a large bowl, followed by roasted parsnips, apples, pumpkin seeds, and parmesan. Toss until fully combined. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss again until fully coated.
- Serve & enjoy. Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for the perfect balanced meal.
Notes
- Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a perfectly balanced meal. I did mine with grilled chicken and it was delicious.
- To save time, cook the parsnips ahead of time, store in an airtight container in the fridge. In a separate bowl add greens, apples, seeds, and parmesan. Store dressing in a glass jar with a lid. Toss everything together until fully combined when ready to eat.
- To make it dairy free, omit the cheese.
- Allow parsnips to fully cool. Then store salad with parsnips, apple, seeds, and parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge. In a separate airtight container, store dressing.