Description
This Swiss Alpine Apple Salad is a crisp, refreshing blend of tart apples, fresh herbs, toasted nuts, and nutty Alpine cheese, all tossed in a light vinaigrette. Inspired by traditional Swiss mountain cuisine, this salad delivers elegance and nutrition in every bite—perfect as a light lunch, a sophisticated starter, or a clean side dish. Its simplicity, seasonal ingredients, and subtle textures make it a true culinary highlight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 crisp apples (Braeburn or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 small fennel bulb, finely shaved
- 1 handful baby arugula or mixed greens
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- ⅓ cup shaved Gruyère or Emmental cheese
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts or hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or walnut oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: thinly sliced radish or dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Thinly slice the apples and fennel using a sharp knife or mandoline. Finely chop the herbs.
- In a large bowl, combine the arugula, fennel, parsley, and chives. Toss gently.
- Add the apple slices and shaved cheese, folding them in carefully to avoid bruising.
- Just before serving, drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss lightly to coat.
- Top with toasted nuts and any optional add-ins, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice apples just before assembling to prevent browning.
- Use a mandoline slicer for paper-thin, uniform slices of apple and fennel.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- To make it vegan, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- For extra texture, add cooked farro or quinoa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Swiss
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Sodium: 210mgFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gUnsatur
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Swiss Alpine Apple Salad, healthy apple salad, Alpine salad recipe, gluten-free salad, vegetarian Swiss recipe