Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at the table begging for your recipe! This Apple Blue Cheese and Bibb Salad is not just a dish; it's an experience that combines the crisp freshness of Bibb lettuce, the sweet crunch of apples, the bold tang of blue cheese, and the rich, nutty flavor of toasted walnuts. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy salad that looks impressive, tastes extraordinary, and will make you feel like a professional chef right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups Bibb lettuce
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the Bibb lettuce under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.
- Next, take the apple and slice it thinly. You can leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, or peel it if you prefer. Remove the core and seeds as you slice.
- In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the Bibb lettuce, sliced apple, crumbled blue cheese, and toasted walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the dressing according to your preference for acidity and seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve the Apple Blue Cheese and Bibb Salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: Select crisp Bibb lettuce, a firm apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, and a creamy blue cheese for the best flavor profile.
- Toasting walnuts is crucial: Watch them carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning. The goal is a golden-brown color and fragrant aroma.
- Slice the apple just before serving to prevent browning. If preparing in advance, you can toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice to keep them fresh.
- For a lighter dressing, use a 2:1 ratio of oil to vinegar, and adjust to your taste preferences.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's crispness and prevent wilting.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds, or swap blue cheese for goat cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
