Apple and Cheese Salad

Apple and Cheese Salad

I did a cooking class on cooking with apples and pears and thought I’d share some of the recipes with you. We started with a salad of apples and toasted walnuts with cheese served over greens. The salad is quite simple but the dressing really makes it special. It was a big hit in class and I think you’ll like it, too. I used cheddar but feel free to use other cheeses. The apples I used I got from Blue Pike Farm last week. Early Golden is a green apple with a sweet/tart flavor and great crisp texture. I also used some fresh mint leaves 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.