Description
The Crispy Apple Cranberry Delight is a splendid salad that perfectly balances the sweetness of honeycrisp apples with the tartness of dried cranberries, rounded out by the crunchiness of candied pecans and the luxurious taste of blue cheese. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a festive side dish, this salad shines in both flavor and presentation, making it a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of butter lettuce, romaine or your favorite greens
- 1 cup diced honeycrisp apples (approximately 1 medium apple; substitutes: Fuji, Gala, Braeburn)
- ¾ cup orange-flavored dried cranberries (alternative: regular dried cranberries)
- ¾ cup candied Fisher pecans
- ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles (alternatives: gorgonzola or feta cheese)
- Dressing:
- ½ cup orange-flavored dried cranberries (alternative: regular dried cranberries)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Salad Base
In a large bowl, lay the lettuce as a bed. Evenly distribute the diced apples, cranberries, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles over the lettuce.
2. Making the Dressing
Place all the dressing ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is fairly smooth but with some cranberry texture remaining. Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness.
3. Finalize the Salad
Taste the dressing and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunch.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 as a substantial side or 2 as a hearty main dish. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for those with a busy schedule.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Best served fresh. If needed, store the undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separately in another container.
- Reheating: Generally, this salad is consumed cold and does not require reheating. If storing, simply bring the salad to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving and then add the dressing.
Conclusion
The Crispy Apple Cranberry Delight salad is a versatile dish that combines a rich tapestry of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying meal or a vibrant addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to delight. Its ease of preparation coupled with the wholesome freshness of its ingredients ensures it is a favored choice at many a gathering.
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Crispy Apple Cranberry Delight
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
The Crispy Apple Cranberry Delight is a splendid salad that perfectly balances the sweetness of honeycrisp apples with the tartness of dried cranberries, rounded out by the crunchiness of candied pecans and the luxurious taste of blue cheese. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a festive side dish, this salad shines in both flavor and presentation, making it a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of butter lettuce, romaine or your favorite greens
- 1 cup diced honeycrisp apples (approximately 1 medium apple; substitutes: Fuji, Gala, Braeburn)
- ¾ cup orange-flavored dried cranberries (alternative: regular dried cranberries)
- ¾ cup candied Fisher pecans
- ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles (alternatives: gorgonzola or feta cheese)
- Dressing:
- ½ cup orange-flavored dried cranberries (alternative: regular dried cranberries)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 to 4 tablespoons honey
- 2 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, lay the lettuce as a bed. Evenly distribute the diced apples, cranberries, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles over the lettuce.
- Making the Dressing
- Place all the dressing ingredients in a blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is fairly smooth but with some cranberry texture remaining. Adjust the amount of honey depending on your preferred sweetness.
- Finalize the Salad
- Taste the dressing and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine all the ingredients. Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes