Apple Gorgonzola Salad Recipe with Italian Vinaigrette

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This refreshing apple gorgonzola salad recipe combines crisp apples, tangy cheese, and crunchy walnuts with zesty Italian vinaigrette.

This perfect fall salad offers the perfect combination of textures and bold flavor. Sweet cranberries add natural sweetness, while crunchy walnuts create delicious contrast of flavors. The creamy gorgonzola cheese brings rich flavor with a tangy twist.
I owe the inspiration to the beloved Italian restaurant, Buca di Beppo. After tasting theirs, I had to try replicating it at home! Thus, this recipe was born.

Every bite delivers balance between sweet apples and tangy gorgonzola that keeps guests asking for a second helping. And packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, and other nutrients, this salad is a nutritious addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Gather these simple salad ingredients for the best results:

• 2 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped (or use Little Leaf Farms Baby Red and Green Leaf Lettuce or spring mix)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Granny Smith apples, diced (or mix green apples and sweet apples like Fuji apples for variety)
• 1/2 red onion, halved and sliced 
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or candied walnuts for added crunch and bold flavor)
• 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese 
• Italian vinaigrette dressing 

Optional Ingredients

• Lemon juice to keep apples from browning
• Freshly shaved parmesan cheese for extra richness
• Crispy bacon for a smoky twist
• Peppery arugula for a stronger bite

Directions

Follow these easy steps for this apple gorgonzola salad recipe:

1. Place all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle Italian vinaigrette over salad. (If expecting leftovers, pour the dressing over the salad just before eating each serving. Otherwise it will wilt when refrigerated.)
3. Use salad tongs to toss gently to coat the salad with the salad dressing.
4. Enjoy immediately as a main course or side.

Tips for the Best Apple Gorgonzola Salad

• Keep salad ingredients cold until ready to serve.
• Serve the salad dressing at room temperature for the best flavor release.
• If you’re expecting leftovers, pour the salad dressing over the salad just before eating.
• Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning.

About the Italian Vinaigrette

• Italian vinaigrette is the star of the show. Its zesty flavor complements crisp apple and tangy cheese perfectly.
• Make your own salad dressing for the best recipes and bold flavor. It’s made quickly and easily in the blender.
• This homemade vinaigrette keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For a sweeter twist, add a splash of orange juice or a drizzle of honey.

Nutrition Highlights

This salad is packed with nutrients:

• Granny Smith apples and green apples provide vitamin C and dietary fiber.
• Crunchy walnuts contribute polyunsaturated fat and heart-healthy total fat.
• Dried cranberries add natural sweetness and total carbohydrate energy.
• Creamy gorgonzola cheese supplies calcium and protein.
• Fresh romaine lettuce delivers vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber.

Pairing Suggestions

• This apple gorgonzola salad recipe combines beautifully with many main course ideas.
• Serve with Italian recipes like pasta or risotto.
• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for extra protein.
• Great to serve alongside soups, stews, or clam chowder.
• Enjoy alongside hearty soups or even Mexican recipes for a creative menu twist.
• Its perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a family style favorite.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is easy to prepare ahead.
Chop salad ingredients and store them separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Combine right before serving to maintain the best texture.
Leftovers can be stored undressed for up to two days.
If dressed, consume within 24 hours for peak freshness.

Why This Recipe Works

This salad is a star of the show because it blends contrast of flavors beautifully. The crisp apple and tangy gorgonzola create balance. Crunchy walnuts and sweet cranberries add texture and sweetness. The bold flavor of Italian vinaigrette brings everything together.
It is one of the best recipes to impress guests or serve for everyday meals.

Fun Variations

Make this salad your own with creative additions:

• Add crispy bacon for smoky depth.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese or goat cheese for alternative cheeses.
• Swap Granny Smith apples with Fuji apples or other sweet apples.
• Include peppery arugula for extra bite.
• Try a wonderful champagne vinaigrette instead of Italian vinaigrette.
• Add candied walnuts for extra sweetness and crunch.

Each variation creates a new contrast of flavors while keeping the perfect fall salad feeling.

FAQs

• Can I use blue cheese instead of gorgonzola? Yes, blue cheese is a great substitute for creamy gorgonzola cheese or tangy gorgonzola flavor.
• How do I keep apples from browning? Toss diced apples with lemon juice or orange juice. This helps prevent browning naturally.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes. Prepare ingredients and store in an airtight container. Add dressing at the last minute.
• What is the best apple for this salad? Granny Smith apples give tart flavor, but sweet apples like Fuji apples add wonderful contrast of flavors.
• Is this salad a main course or side? This apple gorgonzola salad recipe combines well as either a light main course or a side.
• Can I add protein to make it more filling? Absolutely. Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein and bold flavor.
• How long will leftovers keep? Store undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container for up to two days. Toss the apples in a little lemon juice so they keep their color longer. Dressed salad is best eaten same day.
• What if I don’t like red onions? If you are not a fan of onions, replace with thinly sliced shallots or leave them out completely.
• Is there a low-sugar option for cranberries? Yes, choose unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce total carbohydrate and sugar content.

This apple gorgonzola salad recipe combines the perfect combination of crisp apple, tangy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and zesty Italian vinaigrette. It delivers a bold flavor experience while offering great addition of nutrients like vitamin C, dietary fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

Perfect for family style meals or elegant gatherings, this salad belongs among your best recipes. This apple gorgonzola salad is truly the star of the show and will earn compliments at every gathering.

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Apple Gorgonzola Salad Recipe with Italian Vinaigrette

5 from 2 votes

This refreshing apple gorgonzola salad recipe combines crisp apples, tangy cheese, and crunchy walnuts with zesty Italian vinaigrette.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 romaine lettuce hearts chopped (or use Little Leaf Farms Baby Red and Green Leaf Lettuce or spring mix)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Granny Smith apples diced (or mix green apples and sweet apples like Fuji apples for variety)
• 1/2 red onion halved and sliced
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or candied walnuts for added crunch and bold flavor
• 1 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
• Italian vinaigrette dressing

Method

 

1. Place all ingredients in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle Italian vinaigrette over salad. (If expecting leftovers, pour the dressing over the salad just before eating each serving. Otherwise it will wilt when refrigerated.)
3. Use salad tongs to toss gently to coat the salad with the salad dressing.
4. Enjoy immediately as a main course or side.