Apple Cheddar Salad
This simple Apple Cheddar Salad is a delicious combination of tart apples, sweet cranberries, sharp cheddar, and crunchy walnuts. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light lunch.
Ingredients
Apple Vinaigrette
4 Granny Smith apples, cored
1 Shallot, sliced
1 cup Sherry vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Honey
1 ½ tbsp Salad oil (any light tasting vegetable oil)
1 cup Olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh black pepper to taste
Spiced Pecans
4 cups Pecans
1½ tsp Cayenne
1 cup Sugar
½ tsp Allspice
½ tsp Clove
½ tsp Nutmeg
3 ¼ tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup Water
Salad
4 cups Loosely packed arugula (or spinach or any hearty leafy green)
Apple Vinaigrette (see above)
24 Spiced pecans (see above)
2 Granny Smith apples, sliced
1 cupTillamook Special Reserve Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shaved into 1" pieces
Tools
Blender
Baking Sheet
Bowl
Apple Vinaigrette
Bake apples in 425°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until browned and starting to deflate. Cool.
Combine all ingredients except oils, salt, and pepper in blender until smooth.
Slowly whisk in salad and olive oils until totally combined and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Keep cold.
Spiced Pecans
Mix all ingredients in bowl.
Place on baking sheet and roast in 350°F oven.
Stir often and roast until candied, approximately 20 minutes.
Salad
Toss arugula with apple vinaigrette.
Place in large salad bowl for serving.
Arrange nuts, apples and cheese over top.