Maple Nut Apple Salad
I used to eat this salad on repeat years ago at a soup and salad place until they took it off their menu. This week, I was determined to recreate it. Success!! It was a big hit with the whole family (except the little guy, of course, who eats nothing). It is light, refreshing, and goes great with soup or pasta. You can use whatever kind of lettuce you like – romaine, spring mix, spinach, whatever! It is loaded with apples, candied walnuts and pecans, monterey jack cheese for a little salt, and maple vinaigrette. The candied nuts can be made ahead of time and only take about 20 minutes.
Maple Nut Apple Salad
This light, refreshing salad is the perfect blend of sweet and salty salad perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 Head romaine or any green leafy lettuce of your choice
- 1 apple
- 2 slices monterey jack cheese cut into slivers
Candied Nuts
- 4 oz walnuts chopped
- 4 oz pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3 Tbls milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Maple Vinaigarette
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1/4 maple syrup
- 2 Tbls vinegar
Instructions
Candied Nuts
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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Spread nuts evenly on another baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
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While nuts are baking combine remaining ingredients in a small sauce pan.
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Stir on medium heat until boiling. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches hard ball stage - 263 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Add the nuts immediately to the candy mixture. and stir to coat all nuts. Spread nuts on the prepared baking sheet and let cool.
Maple Vinaigarette
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Mix all ingredients in a blender until combined. The ingredients will separate. Just give them a shake to recombine.
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Pour desired amount of dressing on lettuce. Toss to coat. Add nuts, apples, and cheese. Enjoy!
