I went apple picking with my friend a few weeks ago on a warm early autumn afternoon when the first apples were finally ready to be picked. She and I planned to use up the haul we picked for a variety of apple desserts – pie, crisps, galettes, you name it! When we got back to my house however, we were too tired to embark on a baking project. Instead, I decided to whip up a quick and easy salad with an irresistible mustard vinaigrette.
This salad is nothing more than chopped celery, sliced crisp apples (empire, macoun, gala, pink lady all work here), crunchy fresh romaine hearts, an aged cheddar of your choice, topped with seared chicken breast (leave off if vegetarian), croutons and a delicious mustard vinaigrette. If you have a blender, the dressing is a breeze! If not, toss all ingredients in a mason jar, secure with a lid, shake vigorously.
This salad just says ‘fall’ to me. The abundant produce, the cool mornings and shorter days. This salad is equally delicious with a crisp white wine as it is before a mug of hot apple cider. Your choice. Welcome back, autumn. I’ve missed you.
apple + aged cheddar salad with mustard vinaigrette.
ingredients
2 romaine hearts, chopped
4 celery stalks, chopped
2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
1/4 cup croutons
1 cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
sea salt and pepper
vinaigrette:
1 tablespoon whole dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider or white wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
pinch of marjoram
1 teaspoon raw honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt and pepper
2 tablespoons onion, roughly chopped
directions
In a high speed blender, add all ingredients of vinaigrette and blend on high to emulsify.
Add all ingredients except chicken to a large bowl and add 1/3 of dressing and toss gently. Divide amongst two plates and top with half of chicken to each plate. Add additional dressing if desired.
Serves 2 as an entree. *Please use organic ingredients wherever possible*
pass the lemons 