Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 Italian sausages
- 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill sausages for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through. Remove from grill and let cool for 5 minutes.
3. Slice sausages into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and dried cranberries.
5. Add sliced sausages to the bowl and toss to combine.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 12 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Italian sausages can be substituted with any type of sausage.
- Mixed greens can be substituted with any type of salad greens.
- 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.
- Balsamic vinaigrette can be substituted with any type of salad dressing.
Variations:
- Add grilled onions or peppers to the salad.
- Use pears instead of apples.
- Add sliced avocado to the salad.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to let the sausages cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
- Use a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a fresher taste.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional walnuts or blue cheese.
Pairings:
- This salad pairs well with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant.
- Garlic bread or crusty bread.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sausages are sticking to the grill, brush them with a little bit of oil before grilling.
- If the salad is too dry, add more dressing or a drizzle of olive oil.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Wash all produce thoroughly before using.
Food history:
- Sausage and apple is a classic flavor combination in German cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, sweet, and tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this salad as a main dish or as a side dish at a barbecue or picnic.
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