Description

A vibrant and flavorful salad perfect for fall, featuring crisp apples, tangy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a sweet maple Dijon dressing. Easy to make and wonderfully versatile.

Ingredients

Scale

4–5 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine hearts)
1 medium apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), thinly sliced or diced
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
1/4 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa or farro (optional)
For the Maple Dijon Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Pinch of dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Add thyme if using. Taste and adjust.
2. Prepare Greens: Wash and thoroughly dry mixed greens. Place in a large salad bowl.
3. Prepare Apple: Core and slice or dice the apple. Toss with a little apple cider vinegar to prevent browning if needed.
4. Assemble Salad: Add apple, cheese, dried cranberries, nuts, red onion (if using), and cooked grains (if using) to the greens.
5. Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle about half the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat. Add more dressing as needed.
6. Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its crisp textures.

Notes

Store un-dressed salad components and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dressed salad can be stored but will lose crispness. Dressing can be stored for up to a week. Salad is best served fresh and is not reheated.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g