I have several variations of this salad, but the vinaigrette is always the same. I love a good creamy blue cheese dressing, but sometimes the heaviness doesn't work. We had this salad a couple of Sundays ago. It was hit even with those who are not fans of the blue-veined cheese. Buttery Bibb lettuce joins a blend of tender mixed greens tossed with apples and the vinaigrette. It is a light and delicious, sweet and savory combination. This salad makes for a nice break from the heavy, cold weather comfort foods.
Normally I cut the apples into matchsticks, but for photo purposes (so you could see that there were apples in there) I thinly sliced them. Please cut them in any shape or form you desire. The are several variations that can be made to this salad as well. You can add nuts, dried fruits (cranberries are nice), or other fresh fruits, like pears. Like I have said before, "make it for you, make it your own".
Green Salad with Apples and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
serves 4-6
2 heads Bibb lettuce, washed, dried, and torn into pieces
2 generous handfuls of mixed greens, washed and dried
1 large Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced or cut into matchsticks
4 Tablespoons Safflower or other neutral oil
2-3 Tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 medium shallot, finely minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of granulated sugar
1 ounce good quality creamy blue cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
In a medium bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, shallot, mustard, and sugar. Crumble in the blue cheese and mash slightly with the back of a fork; whisk again. Toss the lettuce and greens along with the apple. Pour the vinaigrette over the green mixture and toss to combine. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Source: The Galley Gourmet
Dad and I thoroughly enjoyed your salad! You are right. This vinaigrette is a wonderful alternative to the creamy blue cheese dressing. It has become our new go-to dressing. Thanks!
ReplyDelete