Apple + Asian Pear Harvest Salad with Cheddar & Maple Cider Vinaigrette

Sep 8

Written By Danielle Gaebel

Ingredients

For the Salad

6 cups mixed greens or baby arugula
1 crisp apple, thinly sliced
1 Asian pear, thinly sliced
4 oz white cheddar cheese, cubed or shaved
1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced

For the Maple Cider Vinaigrette

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Make the Vinaigrette

Add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper to a small jar. Cover and shake until well combined.

2. Build the Salad

Place the greens in a large serving bowl. Add the sliced apple, Asian pear, white cheddar, red onion, and toasted nuts.

3. Dress and Serve

Drizzle with the Maple Cider Vinaigrette just before serving and gently toss to combine.

Market Tip

Apples and Asian pears begin to shine as summer turns toward harvest season.

Try different varieties throughout the season — the combination of sweet fruit, sharp white cheddar, toasted nuts, and tangy maple cider dressing will change a little with each one.

Optional: To keep sliced apples and Asian pears from browning, toss them with a small squeeze of fresh lemon juice before adding them to the salad.