Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of our Crisp Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette. This refreshing dish combines crisp tart apples, mixed greens, candied pecans, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds, all tossed in a luscious maple vinaigrette dressing. With its delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish. Enjoy the burst of freshness and flavor in every bite!
Crisp Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Enjoy a delightful Crisp Apple Salad featuring a vibrant mix of tart apples, mixed greens, candied pecans, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds, all tossed in a luscious maple vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for a refreshing and satisfying meal or as a vibrant side dish to complement any spread.
Equipment
- Knife for slicing apples
- cutting board
- Salad bowl
- Whisk or fork for preparing dressing
- Small bowl for mixing dressing
- Measuring spoons
- measuring cup
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 Crisp tart apple thinly sliced
- 8 cups Mixed greens or tender Lettuces such as butter or Bibb lettuce, frisée, etc.
- 1/4 cup Candied pecans or toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup Goat cheese or feta cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup Pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries
- Chopped fresh thyme for garnish optional
For the maple vinaigrette dressing:
- 2 tbsp Maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Apple cider or white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
- 6 tbsp Olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper optional
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and kosher salt in a small bowl.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is emulsified. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste if desired. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens or lettuces of your choice.
- Add the thinly sliced crisp tart apple on top of the greens
- Sprinkle candied or toasted pecans, goat cheese or feta crumbles, and pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries over the salad.
- Garnish with chopped fresh thyme for added flavor and presentation. (optional)
- Just before serving, drizzle the maple vinaigrette dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing and delicious Crisp Apple Salad with Maple Vinaigrette!
Notes
- Apple Selection: Choose a crisp and tart apple variety like Pink Lady, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the salad.
- Mixed Greens: Use a combination of tender lettuces such as butter lettuce, Bibb lettuce, and frisée for a variety of textures and flavors in the salad.
- Candied Pecans: You can either use store-bought candied pecans or make your own by coating pecans with a mixture of sugar and spices and baking them until caramelized.
- Goat Cheese or Feta: Feel free to use either goat cheese or feta cheese crumbles based on your preference. Both add a creamy and tangy contrast to the salad.
- Pomegranate Seeds: If fresh pomegranate seeds are not available, you can use dried cranberries or other dried fruits as a substitute for a sweet and tart flavor.
- Maple Vinaigrette: The maple vinaigrette dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using it on the salad.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh thyme adds a subtle herbal note to the salad and enhances its presentation, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- Tossing the Salad: Toss the salad gently just before serving to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the maple vinaigrette dressing.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the salad by adding additional ingredients such as sliced almonds, crumbled bacon, or sliced red onions for extra flavor and texture. Adjust the quantities of each ingredient according to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 281kcal | Carbohydrates: 17.9g | Protein: 2.7g | Fat: 23.3g | Saturated Fat: 4.5g | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 13.2g | Vitamin A: 280.1IU | Vitamin C: 10.2mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 0.9mg
