Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transform your perception of salads forever! This Apple Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad is not just a dish—it's a symphony of flavors that dances between sweet, tangy, and savory. With crisp apples, crunchy toasted pecans, creamy blue cheese, and bursts of dried cherries, this salad is a gourmet experience that takes mere minutes to prepare and will leave your guests absolutely impressed.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once they become fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and let cool.
- Wash and thinly slice the apple using a sharp knife, cutting into uniform, thin pieces. To prevent browning, you can lightly toss the apple slices with a small amount of lemon juice.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base layer, creating an even foundation for the salad.
- Artfully arrange the thinly sliced apples across the top of the greens, creating a visually appealing pattern.
- Sprinkle the toasted pecans evenly over the salad, ensuring a balanced distribution of nuts.
- Crumble the blue cheese over the salad, allowing small chunks to scatter naturally.
- Distribute the dried cherries across the salad, adding bursts of sweet-tart flavor.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, using a light hand to ensure the dressing doesn't overwhelm the other ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients, ensuring each bite will have a mix of flavors and textures.
- Serve immediately to maintain the crispness of the greens and the crunch of the pecans.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your pecans are completely cooled after toasting to maintain their crunch.
- Prevent Apple Browning: Use a splash of lemon juice to keep apple slices fresh and vibrant.
- Dressing Technique: Drizzle vinaigrette sparingly—you want to enhance, not drown, the ingredients.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crisp textures of greens and nuts.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to swap blue cheese for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Toasting Nuts Pro Tip: Watch pecans carefully while toasting—they can burn quickly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
