Candied Walnut Salad with White Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad could have a number of different names since all the ingredients are delicious in their own right. I landed upon 'Candied Walnut' salad because the walnuts are really the star here! They are so delicious and so not bad for you! The other star in this salad is the dressing. OMG. I am using it on everything now. SO YUMMY!

This is a great fall salad with the creamy blue cheese, crunchy apples, sweet & savory walnuts and the tart craisins. The varieties of apples available right now is delightful! I decided to combine Granny Smith and Pink Ladies. I gravitate towards kale or arugula for the lettuce but you can use any form you like. I also use low sugar craisins because they taste the same but with less sugar! Let's get to the walnuts though....

YUM. These are so easy that you should make up a whole bunch and use them all week! If you don't like walnuts you could do the same thing with Pecans.

PRO TIP:

I would suggest stocking up on flavored sugars from The Spice and Tea Exchange like this Salted Caramel Sugar.

Ingredients for Walnuts:

• 1 cup walnuts

• 2 tblsp butter

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salted caramel sugar (or any other delicious sugars you would like to put on top)

Process:

Melt the butter with the walnuts. After butter is melted add in cinnamon, brown sugar and salted caramel sugar. Stir for 1 minute. Let cool and enjoy!

Ingredients for White Balsamic Dressing:

• 1/3 cup avocado oil

• 1/4 tsp honey

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar

• 1 tblsp shallot minced

• salt & pepper to taste

Process:

Mince shallots. Mix all ingredients together. Top on any and all salads!