Elevate your salad game with this Roasted Apple and Cheddar Salad, a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Tender, caramelized roasted apple wedges pair beautifully with the sharpness of cubed cheddar cheese, while peppery greens like arugula or a spring mix provide a vibrant base. Toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and dried cranberries lend a hint of sweetness for the perfect contrast. Finished with a drizzle of homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a showcase of fall-inspired ingredients thatβs as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or dinner party appetizer, this recipe is ready in just 25 minutes and sure to stun with its unique mix of textures and flavors!
Preheat your oven to 400Β°F (200Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Core and slice the apples into wedges, leaving the skin on for added texture and color.
Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast the apples in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove and let cool slightly.
While the apples are roasting, prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by whisking together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix (or arugula), roasted apples, cubed cheddar cheese, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries.
Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve the salad immediately, garnishing with extra walnuts or cranberries if desired. Enjoy!
Calories |
1550 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.6 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 32.2 g | 161% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 122 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 2067 mg | 90% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.7 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.5 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 92.1 g | ||
| Protein | 42.3 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1009 mg | 78% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1471 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.