2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
1 large apple, cored and thinly sliced (a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji works well)
½ cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional for extra sweetness)
For the Dressing:
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Toast the Pecans:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries (if using). Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese over the top.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Serve:
Divide the salad among plates and serve immediately for the best freshness and crunch.This salad serves as a fantastic starter for a meal or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying dish for any season. Enjoy your apple pecan blue cheese salad!