Mixed Greens and Apple Bowl (Printable)

Refreshing mix of greens, apples, walnuts, and cheese with homemade cider vinaigrette.

# What You'll Need:

→ Salad

01 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
02 - 2 medium apples (Gala or Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
04 - 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
05 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
06 - 1/4 cup dried cranberries

→ Cider Vinaigrette

07 - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
09 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, cheese, red onion, and dried cranberries.
03 - Drizzle vinaigrette over salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine and coat ingredients evenly. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes but tastes like you actually put thought into lunch.
  • The cider vinaigrette is tangy enough to make greens interesting without drowning them.
  • It's sturdy enough to pack for a picnic but light enough you won't feel sluggish afterward.
02 -
  • Slice your apples at the very last moment before serving—oxidation turns them brown and makes the whole thing look less appetizing within minutes.
  • Don't over-whisk the vinaigrette or you'll break the emulsion and end up with oil pooling at the bottom instead of a silky coating.
03 -
  • Chill your salad bowl and plates in the freezer for ten minutes before assembling if you're making this in summer—the salad stays crisp longer when everything starts cold.
  • Slice your apples on a mandoline if you have one and aren't afraid of your fingertips—paper-thin slices look beautiful and distribute the flavor more evenly than chunky cuts.
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