Drusilla A. McCarley’s Honeycrisp Apple Salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with a variety of textures and tastes, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. This salad typically features ingredients like mixed greens, nuts, cheese, and a delicious vinaigrette, making it a wonderful addition to any meal, especially in the fall when apples are in season!
Here’s a recipe inspired by Drusilla A. McCarley’s Honeycrisp Apple Salad:
Drusilla A. McCarley’s Honeycrisp Apple Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and thinly sliced (leave the skin on for extra texture)
- 5 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix)
- 1/4 cup candied pecans (or toasted walnuts)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese, if preferred)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onions (optional, for a bit of sharpness)
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced (optional for added crunch)
For the Honey Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
- Slice the apples: Core and thinly slice the Honeycrisp apples into wedges or thin slices. If you like, you can toss the apples in a little lemon juice to prevent browning, though it’s not necessary with Honeycrisp apples.
- Prepare the greens: Wash and dry your mixed greens thoroughly. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Candied nuts: If you’re using candied pecans, you can either buy them pre-made or make your own by tossing pecans in a little sugar and toasting them in a dry skillet over low heat. Alternatively, toasted walnuts or almonds also work great for crunch.
- Slice the onions: Thinly slice the red onions (if using) for added color and a slight bite.
Step 2: Make the Honey Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined and emulsified. If you want a creamier dressing, you can add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or a splash of mayonnaise.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In the large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, sliced apples, candied pecans (or toasted nuts), goat cheese (or feta), dried cranberries, and any optional ingredients like sliced red onions or cucumber.
- Drizzle the honey vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring that all the ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Honeycrisp Apple Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a short time if you need to prepare it ahead of time (though it’s best when freshly tossed). You can also serve this as a side dish or a light lunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: To make this salad a more complete meal, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a protein boost.
- Change up the nuts: Try using candied almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different textures and flavors.
- Cheese variations: If you don’t like goat cheese, try blue cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Adding fresh mint or basil can give the salad an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
- Other fruits: You can experiment with other seasonal fruits like pears, grapes, or pomegranate seeds for added color and taste.
This Honeycrisp Apple Salad is light, crisp, and perfect for any occasion. The sweetness of the apples combined with the tangy vinaigrette and the crunch from the nuts creates a harmonious dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Let me know if you’d like more recipes for salads or other side dishes!