Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad

Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the tanginess of cheddar cheese. It's a perfect side dish for any meal or a light lunch option.

History

The combination of apples and cheddar cheese is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. This salad takes that classic combination and adds a tangy twist with the addition of lemon juice and mayonnaise.

Ingredients

2 apples, red, small, thinly sliced
2 tsp lemon juice
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
3 oz (85 g) cheddar cheese, cubed
0.25 cup light mayonnaise
1 pinch of salt
1 pinch of pepper
1 lettuce

How to prepare

Place the apples in a small bowl and toss them with lemon juice.
Add celery and the next 4 ingredients, and toss them to coat.
Serve on a plate lined with lettuce.

Variations

Add some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Swap out the cheddar cheese for blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the apples and celery thinly for the best texture in this salad.

- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor.

- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also makes a great light lunch option on its own.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe requires no cooking, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a healthier option.

- Substitute pears for apples for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to add the lettuce right before serving to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pilsner.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 18g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 12g

Fats

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% DV

Calcium: 15% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheddar cheese) and eggs (mayonnaise).

Summary

This Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also provides a decent amount of Vitamin C and Calcium.

Summary

This Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet apples, tangy cheddar cheese, and crunchy celery, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn how to cook like my own grandmother. I was rummaging through her old recipe box one day, looking for something new and exciting to try, when I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad" scrawled across it in my grandmother's elegant handwriting.

Curious and intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She chuckled and told me that it was a recipe she had learned many years ago from a dear friend who had traveled to England and brought it back with her. It was a unique and delicious combination of flavors that had become a family favorite over the years. My grandmother was more than happy to share the recipe with me, and so began my journey into the world of Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad.

The first time I made the salad, I followed the recipe exactly as my grandmother had written it. I sliced crisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and tossed them together with a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. The flavors mingled together perfectly, creating a refreshing and satisfying salad that was both sweet and savory.

As I continued to make the Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad over the years, I made a few tweaks and additions to the recipe to suit my own tastes. I added toasted walnuts for a bit of crunch, and a handful of dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness. Sometimes I even threw in a handful of fresh herbs from my garden, like parsley or chives, to add a bit of freshness to the dish.

Each time I made the salad, it brought back memories of that first time I had discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old recipe box. It was a reminder of the bond we shared over our love of cooking and creating delicious meals for our family to enjoy together. And every time I made the Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad, it was a small way of keeping her memory alive in my heart.

Now, as a grandmother myself, I take great joy in passing down the recipe for Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad to my own grandchildren. I love watching their faces light up with delight as they take their first bite of the salad, savoring the flavors and textures just as I did all those years ago.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the journey I have taken with this beloved recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the simple pleasures of cooking and sharing meals with the ones we love. The Tangy Apple Cheddar Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and connection that comes from sharing good food with family and friends. And as I pass the recipe down to future generations, I know that it will continue to bring smiles to faces for years to come.