Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 2 Gala apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and sliced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: None
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mixed greens can be substituted with spinach or arugula.
- Gala apples can be substituted with any other variety of apple.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Blue cheese can be substituted with feta or goat cheese.
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dates.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the apples from browning, toss them in lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- None
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped walnuts or dried cranberries.
Garnishes:
- Chopped walnuts
- Dried cranberries
- Sliced apple
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dressing is too sweet, add more apple cider vinegar to balance it out.
- If the salad is too dry, add more dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Wash all produce before using.
- Store any leftover salad in the fridge and consume within 2 days.
Food history:
- The combination of apples, walnuts, and blue cheese is a classic flavor pairing in salads.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and nutty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish with dinner.
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