1. Can I make the Apple Salad with Cheddar in advance?

Yes, you can prepare parts of the salad in advance. You can wash and dry the greens, prepare the vinaigrette, and even slice the apples and cheese beforehand. However, it’s best to assemble the salad and add the apples just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning. To avoid this, you can toss the apple slices with lemon juice before adding them to the salad.

2. What other fruits can I use in place of apples?

While honeycrisp apples are the star of this salad, you can easily swap them for other fruits. Pears, for instance, make a great alternative with their similar sweetness and texture. You can also experiment with different apple varieties like Gala or Pink Lady to discover your preferred flavor combination.

3. How can I make the Apple Salad with Cheddar vegan-friendly?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the cheddar cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also swap out the honey in the vinaigrette for maple syrup to ensure it's fully vegan-friendly. The candied pecans are naturally plant-based, but if you'd prefer to avoid nuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a great substitution.

4. Can I add protein to this Apple Salad with Cheddar?

Absolutely! To make the Apple Salad with Cheddar more filling, you can add grilled chicken, roasted pork, or even crispy bacon for extra protein. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas, tofu, or quinoa to make this salad a complete meal.

Apple Salad with Cheddar: Easy Fall Recipe

Name: Apple Salad with Cheddar
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups mixed greens; 1-2 tart apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady), sliced; ½ cup thin sliced sharp white cheddar cheese; ½ cup candied or toasted pecans; ½ cup dried cranberries; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 tbsp minced shallot (about ½ small shallot); 2 tsp real maple syrup (or brown sugar); 1 tsp fresh rosemary or sage (or a combination); ½ tsp Dijon mustard; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground pepper

Description

Apple Salad with Cheddar is a vibrant and flavorful salad that combines crisp honeycrisp apple slices, sharp white cheddar, candied pecans, and dried cranberries, all dressed in a maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, bringing together a mix of fresh, sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups mixed greens
1-2 tart apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady), sliced
½ cup thin sliced sharp white cheddar cheese
½ cup candied or toasted pecans
½ cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp minced shallot (about ½ small shallot)
2 tsp real maple syrup (or brown sugar)
1 tsp fresh rosemary or sage (or a combination)
½ tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground pepper

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Instructions

Make the balsamic vinaigrette: In a small jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, rosemary or sage, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds until well mixed.
Wash and dry the mixed greens. Spin them in a salad spinner for the best freshness.
Slice the apples, cheddar cheese, and pecans. Keep the apples in slices or chop them into 1-inch pieces. Chop the cheddar into thin slices or small cubes.
Combine the greens, apple slices, cheddar, candied pecans, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Toss lightly.
Drizzle the salad with the prepared vinaigrette or serve it on the side. Toss gently again, ensuring even distribution of the dressing.
For presentation, reserve half of the mix-ins and scatter them on top before serving. Serve immediately for the best freshness.

Notes

If you need to prepare the salad in advance, wash and dry the greens and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Keep the apples sliced just before serving to prevent browning. Toss them with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh.
Feel free to adjust the dressing’s sweetness or tanginess by modifying the amount of maple syrup or balsamic vinegar according to your taste preferences.
For an added touch, sprinkle some roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds to enhance texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 174 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 7mg