π₯ Orchard Salad Recipe π₯
Overview
This Orchard Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, combining the crispness of red leaf lettuce, the freshness of green leaf lettuce, and the sweetness of apples and pears. Tossed in a tangy cider vinaigrette and topped with sharp cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect salad for any occasion!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Red leaf lettuce |
| 1 | Green leaf lettuce |
| 1 | Lemon juice |
| 1 | Crisp red apple |
| 1 | Anjou pear |
| 2 | Apple cider |
| 2 | Cider vinegar |
| 1 | Sugar |
| 1/3 | Extra virgin olive oil |
| – | Salt |
| – | Coarse black pepper |
| 8 | Sharp cheddar cheese, sliced |
Instructions
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Coarsely chop lettuce: Start by washing and drying the red leaf and green leaf lettuce. Coarsely chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
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Prep Apples and Pears: Cut the crisp red apple and Anjou pear into thin slices. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
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Toss with Greens: Add the sliced apples and pears to the bowl of chopped lettuce. Gently toss everything together to combine the flavors.
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Make Cider Vinaigrette: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved.
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Add Olive Oil: Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously. This will help emulsify the dressing and give it a smooth consistency.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared cider vinaigrette over the salad in the bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous amount of coarse black pepper.
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Toss to Combine: Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
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Serve with Cheddar Cheese: To finish, top the Orchard Salad with slices of sharp cheddar cheese. The creamy, tangy cheese adds a delicious contrast to the crispness of the salad.
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Enjoy Your Orchard Salad: Serve the salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light main course. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a healthy snack any time of the day!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 476.7
- Total Fat: 37.3g
- Saturated Fat: 14.5g
- Cholesterol: 59.6mg
- Sodium: 400.1mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21.5g
- Dietary Fiber: 4.7g
- Sugar: 12.8g
- Protein: 16.7g
Tips & Variations
- Variety of Greens: Feel free to mix in other types of lettuce or greens for added texture and flavor.
- Nuts and Seeds: Add some crunch with toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans, or sprinkle in some pumpkin seeds.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint can elevate the flavors of this salad.
- Dried Fruits: For extra sweetness, toss in some dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots.
- Grilled Protein: Turn this salad into a complete meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
This Orchard Salad recipe is not only delicious and refreshing but also a celebration of the vibrant flavors of fresh produce. Enjoy the crispness of the lettuce, the sweetness of the fruits, and the tanginess of the cider vinaigrette in every bite! Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or a potluck gathering with friends and family. π₯β¨
