Stilton, Apple & Walnut Salad

A delicious salad with salty stilton, crunchy walnuts and sweet, crisp apples. This Stilton, Apple & Walnut Salad perfect accompaniment to any BBQ or as a light lunch. 

Stilton, Apple & walnut Salad – the perfect flavour combination

Stilton, apple and walnut is such a classic flavour combination. The creamy, salty stilton works so well with the crisp sweetness of the apple and then the walnuts add an earthy crunch. 

On their own, I am not a stilton or walnut fan. But when you combine them in this salad along with the dressing, it is really delicious.  

It looked so appealing I had to give it a try and I was definitely pleased I did. Separately I’m not still not sure how much I would like the flavours, but when you combine them they really compliment each other.

What is stilton?

Stilton is probably the most well known type of blue cheese. Recipes date back to the 18th century although I am sure the methods of making it have changed quite a bit since then! 

In 1996 Stilton was assigned European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status. This means it is only licensed to be made in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the UK. 

Stilton is a beautiful marbled cheese with a crumbly texture. It has a bold and rich flavour with hints of nuttiness and salt. 

Do you have to use Stilton?

If you didn’t want to use stilton, most blue cheeses would work well in this Stilton, Apple and Walnut Salad. This is because although they all tend to have a similar taste and texture, but have unique traits too. 

Shropshire Blue is a very good alternative. It is very similar to stilton apart from it has a natural colourant which also adds a very mild spicy flavour. 

Danish blue is a milder, creamy blue cheese which might be a good one to go for if you aren’t usually a blue cheese fan. 

Gorgonzola would also be a good, creamy alternative as would Roquefort if you would prefer a ewe’s milk cheese. 

Which apples are best to use?

I would recommend using sweet red apples for this salad. Varieties such as Braeburn, Fuji or Empire would work really well as they are crisp and sweet. 

Remember to coat the apples in the lemon juice once you have cored and chopped them. This helps prevent them from turning brown whilst you prepare the rest of the salad. 

Which salad leaves are best to use?

You can really use whichever lettuce you like for this salad. I like to use mixed salad leaves as not only does it add a subtle difference in flavours, it also makes it look a bit prettier. 

I would try and choose a mix of leaves that includes rocket or watercress. These add a lovely pepperiness that compliments the dish really well. 

If you would prefer not to use a bag of mixed leaves, you can use something like baby gem or romaine lettuce. 

How to make the salad gluten free, vegetarian and vegan

The recipe as below is naturally gluten free. 

A lot of stilton is now vegetarian but in the past it did include rennet which is an animal product. It is worth checking the stilton to make sure it is suitable for vegetarians. 

To make this salad vegan, use your favourite vegan blue cheese. You will also need to swap the honey. I would recommend using maple syrup instead. 

How long does this Stilton, Apple and Walnut Salad keep for?

I think this salad is best made just before you would like to serve it. Although you are tossing the apples in lemon juice, the longer they are left the higher the chance of them turning brown. 

It only takes a couple of minutes to assemble the salad so I wouldn’t bother trying to make it in advance. You could make the dressing in advance if you wanted and then drizzle over the salad when you are ready to serve. 

This salad won’t keep particularly well, especially once you have drizzled over the dressing. I would recommend only making what you are going to eat at that time. 

How to serve this salad

This Stilton, Apple & Walnut salad is a delicious light lunch as it is. But it also makes a delicious addition to lots of different meals. 

It would be a great side salad served with my Puff Pastry Potato Tart and would make it into a more substantial meal. 

It is also perfect served as part of a BBQ spread alongside my Ultimate Bacon Cheese Burgers, Herby Turkey Burgers or Garlic & Lime Chicken Thighs. 

The apple in the salad would work really well in a sandwich with some Slow Cooker Pulled Pork. The possibilities are endless! 

other recipes you might like

• Pear & Rocket Salad
• Balsamic Tomato Salad
• Beetroot, Red Pepper & Goat’s Cheese Salad
• Fig, Prosciutto & Rocket Salad
• Creamy Mustard New Potato Salad

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