I love any excuse to eat bright, crisp greens during Autumn. Preparing a bright and colorful salad using those traditional autumn flavors - apple, pecans, and maple is a sure-fire way to get your taste buds excited. Apples are so fresh and crisp this time of year; they are the perfect addition to any salad. The combination of apples, pecans, and maple has been tested time and time again, and the conclusion is, we love it!

The addition of cheese in this salad brings a sharp and creamy texture that balances out the tart notes in the apple so perfectly. The maple balsamic dressing is salty, sweet, and acidic, which is ideal for any dressing. The whole combination of flavors is very reminiscent of Autumn and is what I want to be eating every day this time of year.

DETAILS

The star of this salad, by far, are the toppings. Therefore, try to choose a nice crisp and bold apple, fresh pecans, beautifully sharp and creamy cheddar cheese from your local cheesemonger, and a sweet and slightly acidic balsamic vinegar.

If you have another cheese on hand, something that is similar in flavor and texture with cheddar, you can substitute it instead.

An excellent way to change up this salad would be to add pears instead of apples.

Choose any lettuce you prefer. I like to buy my lettuce bulk from the local grocery store. That way, I can get a variety of greens in one bowl — some tender while other more bitter.

If you can’t find shallots, onions are perfectly acceptable.

SUGGESTED TOOLS

• salad dressing shaker

• sharp knife

• cutting board

• salad bowl

MORE DELICIOUS FALL SALAD RECIPES

• Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples and Pecans

• Kale and Quinoa Salad with Squash

• Winter Citrus Salad

Apple Pecan and Cheddar Salad with a Maple Balsamic Dressing

makes 4 small salads

• prep time - 20 minutes

• cooking time - n/a

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups of lettuce, rinsed, dried, and chopped

• 1 - 2 apples, thinly sliced or chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

• 2 small shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 cup of pecans, loosely chopped

• 1 cup of cheddar, chopped or grated

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup of oil (canola, olive, or avocado)

• 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbsp of maple syrup

• 1 tbsp of grainy mustard

• 1 tsp of salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large salad bowl add the lettuce.

2. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, add the dressing ingredients. Shake vigorously until combined.

3. Pour half of the dressing onto the lettuce leaves. Toss with your hands. Taste, and add more dressing if desired. Season with salt and pepper as needed.

4. Arrange the apples, shallots, pecans, and cheese on top of the lettuce.

5. Serve.

6. The dressing can be kept in the fridge for a week. Bring the dressing to room temperature before you apply to the salad.