Apple-Cheddar Salad With Sweet Cream Vinaigrette

🍏🧀🥗 Apple-Cheddar Salad with Sweet Cream Vinaigrette 🍏🧀🥗

History:
The Apple-Cheddar Salad with Sweet Cream Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that combines the crispness of fresh apples, the creaminess of cheddar cheese, and the tangy sweetness of a homemade vinaigrette dressing. While it doesn’t have a long and storied history like some dishes, it’s a modern twist on classic flavors, blending sweet and savory elements to create a harmonious salad.

Components:

1. Fresh Apples: Choose your favorite variety, like Granny Smith for tartness or Gala for sweetness. Slice them thinly for a refreshing crunch.
2. Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for a robust flavor. Cube or shred it to sprinkle over the salad.
3. Mixed Greens: Use a mix of greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine for a diverse texture and flavor profile.
4. Candied Pecans: These add a delightful crunch and sweetness. You can make them by coating pecans with sugar and toasting them.
5. Sweet Cream Vinaigrette: A creamy dressing made from ingredients like heavy cream, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and vinegar, which balances the salad’s flavors.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Sweet Cream Vinaigrette:

   • In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Whisk until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   • Wash and dry your mixed greens and place them in a large salad bowl.
   • Add the thinly sliced apples and cubed/shredded cheddar cheese on top of the greens.

3. Prepare the Candied Pecans:

   • In a small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of sugar.
   • Once the sugar starts to melt and turn golden brown, add 1/2 cup of pecans.
   • Stir continuously to coat the pecans in the caramelized sugar.
   • Transfer the candied pecans to a parchment paper-lined tray to cool and harden.

4. Finish the Salad:

   • Sprinkle the candied pecans over the greens, apples, and cheddar.
   • Drizzle the Sweet Cream Vinaigrette over the salad, using as much or as little as you prefer.
   • Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and coat them with the dressing.

5. Serve:

   • Plate the salad on individual plates or a large serving platter.
   • Enjoy immediately!

Time Needed:

• Preparation time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
• Cooking time (for candying pecans): 5-7 minutes
• Total time: Around 20-30 minutes

This Apple-Cheddar Salad with Sweet Cream Vinaigrette is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish for any season. 🍏🧀🥗 Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Apple-Cheddar Salad with Sweet Cream Vinaigrette:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Total Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 300-400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25-30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 15-20g
• Protein: 7-10g
• Vitamin D: 0-2% DV
• Calcium: 20-25% DV
• Iron: 4-6% DV
• Potassium: 6-8% DV

Health Information:

1. Rich in Fiber: This salad contains dietary fiber from apples and greens, which can aid digestion and help you feel full, potentially assisting in weight management.

2. Protein: While not a significant source of protein, the cheese and pecans in the salad provide a modest amount, contributing to overall satiety.

3. Calcium: Cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium, essential for bone health and various bodily functions.

4. Healthy Fats: The salad includes healthy fats from olive oil and pecans, which are important for heart health and nutrient absorption.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: Apples offer vitamins like vitamin C, while greens provide essential nutrients such as vitamin K and folate.

6. Moderation: The sweet cream vinaigrette and candied pecans add sweetness and flavor, but they should be used in moderation due to added sugars and calories.

7. Customization: You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. For example, use a lighter dressing or reduce the cheese for a lower-calorie option.

8. Balance: This salad offers a balance of flavors, including sweet, savory, and tangy, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal or side dish.

Remember that exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portions you use, so it’s always a good idea to check product labels or use a nutrition calculator if you have specific dietary concerns or requirements.