chopped apple salad toasted walnuts blue cheese and pomegranate vinaigrette
Deshawn Goodland
Ingredients
- Chopped apples
- Toasted walnuts
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Pomegranate seeds (arils)
- Red leaf lettuce or mixed greens (optional for base)
- Balsamic vinegar (for the vinaigrette)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for the vinaigrette)
- Dijon mustard (for the vinaigrette)
- Honey (for the vinaigrette)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Steps
### Chopped Apple Salad with Toasted Walnuts, Blue Cheese, and Pomegranate Vinaigrette Recipe
#### Introduction
This vibrant and flavorful chopped apple salad combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, crumbly blue cheese, and a tangy pomegranate vinaigrette. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is both beautiful to look at and delicious to taste.
#### Ingredients (for 4 servings)
- 2 large apples, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 oz crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- For the vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Apples**
- Wash and peel the apples, then slice them into thin wedges.
- Arrange the sliced apples on a platter or in a large bowl.
2. **Toast Walnuts**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before chopping.
3. **Combine Ingredients**
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the sliced apples and toss gently to coat evenly.
4. **Add Toppings**
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and pomegranate seeds over the salad.
- Gently mix all ingredients just before serving to ensure the blue cheese does not melt too much.
5. **Serving Suggestions**
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
- Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds if desired.
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#### Conclusion
This chopped apple salad is not just a delightful mix of flavors but also an excellent way to incorporate seasonal fruits into your diet. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering!