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closeup of fall apple salad with serving spoon

Fall Apple Salad with Cheddar, Candied Pecans and Balsamic Vinaigrette

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This fall apple salad is so many of my favorite seasonal flavors in one bowl. Mixed greens, crunchy honeycrisp apple slices, sharp white cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, candied pecans and a quick maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s not only delicious, but stunningly beautiful too!
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 174
Author Annalise Sandberg

Equipment

Ingredients

Balsamic vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoons minced shallot (about ½-1 of small shallot)
  • 2 teaspoons real maple syrup (or brown sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or sage (or a combination)
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Salad assembly:

  • 4 cups mixed greens (5 oz/142g container)
  • 1-2 tart apples , sliced (see Note)
  • ½ cup thin sliced sharp white cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup candied or toasted pecans
  • ½ cup dried cranberries

Instructions

To make the balsamic vinaigrette:

  • Add the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced shallot, maple syrup/brown sugar, herbs, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to a small mason jar. Screw the lid on tightly, then shake vigorously until combined.
  • Vinaigrette can be used right away or stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. It will separate as it sits, so shake or whisk again before using.

To assemble the salad:

  • Toss the mixed greens with a few tablespoons of the vinaigrette. Add the apple slices, shredded cheese, candied pecans and dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • I recommend honeycrisp, pink lady, gala, cosmic crisp and envy apple varieties. To keep apples from browning if the salad needs to sit for longer than a few minutes, toss slices with a bit of lemon juice.
  • Fresh rosemary and sage really make a huge difference in the fall flavor of this salad. However, dried herbs can be used if you don't have any.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 311IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 0.4mg