Description
This Butter Lettuce Salad with Apple and Cheddar is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Tender butter lettuce is topped with crisp Honeycrisp apples, sharp white cheddar, toasted walnuts, and a zesty maple-cider vinaigrette.
Ingredients
2 heads butter lettuce, washed and torn
1 large Honeycrisp or Fuji apple, thinly sliced
1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shaved or coarsely grated
1/3 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
For the Maple-Cider Vinaigrette:
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1 small shallot, minced (optional)
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a small jar or bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced shallot (if using), salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the butter lettuce leaves. Tear large leaves into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts or pecans for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with about half of the dressing and toss gently to coat.
5. Arrange the apple slices, shaved cheddar, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries on top of the greens.
6. Drizzle with the remaining dressing just before serving.
7. Serve immediately to keep the greens crisp.
Notes
To shave the cheddar, use a vegetable peeler on a block of cold cheese for thin, elegant ribbons.
If prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss the apple slices in a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon to turn this side salad into a main course.
Blue cheese or goat cheese can be substituted for cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 5
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg