Apple and Cheese Salad

Apple and Cheese Salad

I had fresh, local apples and was planning on baking something with them. It was too warm yesterday, so I made a salad with some of the apples instead. The salad is pretty basic: greens, apples, cheese and nuts. Tossed with a simple, but very tasty dressing, this salad was the perfect meal for a hot day.  I used cheddar but feel free to use other cheeses.  I also used some fresh mint leaves and chives from my garden.

Apple and Cheese Salad

Dressing:
3 T. white wine vinegar
2 T. lemon juice
2 t. sugar
¼ c. olive oil
3 T. dried minced onion
2 T. water
salt and pepper to taste

1 c. walnuts or pecans, toasted
4-6 cups salad greens, washed and spun dry
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese or ½ c. crumbled feta or bleu cheese
2 Granny Smith or other tart apples
1 T. chopped fresh mint or parsley
1 T. snipped chives or green onions, optional

In container with tight fitting lid shake dressing ingredients together and chill until ready to use. To toast nuts place on a baking sheet in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Cool. When ready to serve the salads divide the greens among 4 plates or arrange greens on a platter. Core the apples and cut in slices. Toss apples with the dressing. Place apples on greens, then top with remaining ingredients. Serves 4.