Apple and Grape Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette

How beautiful leaves grow old. How full of colors are their last days.

Apple Grape Mixed Greens Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette

Cook’s notes: This lovely up north table setting was the perfect spot for my Apple Grape Mixed Greens Salad. An invite to dinner party complete with a lake view was a great diversion from a cold and rainy evening. Several guests shared some of their favorite dishes for the meal. Their recipes to follow at a later date. Thanks to our gracious hosts, Cathy and Bob for a wonderful evening.  

One of my favorite pieces on the table was this very cute salt and pepper shaker.

The Maple Cider Vinaigrette is enough for 4-5 salads but another great option for the salad is a Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette. Recipe posted below.

Salad Ingredients:

• Mixed greens about 6-8 cups to serve 4-5 people (I used a combination of baby spinach leaves and chopped Romaine) 
• 2 apples chopped with skin on, diced (I used Jazz variety though any crisp apple will do)   
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced 
• 1/2 cucumber diced 
• 1-1/2 cups halved red seedless grapes 
• 1 cup candied pecans or toasted pecans (I used one package of Honey Roasted Pecan Pieces 3.5 oz.)   
• Optional: ½ cup crumbled blue or feta cheese 

Maple Cider Vinaigrette Ingredients 

• 3 TB. apple cider vinegar 
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup 
• 1 tsp. apple pie spice mix 
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard 
• 1 large garlic clove, minced 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• ½ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 

Salad Directions:

• Mix greens with apples, grapes, cucumbers,onions and pecans. 

Vinaigrette Directions:

• In blender add all ingredients and gradually add in olive oil. Mix well, cover and refrigerate until needed.

Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients and Directions:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar or Fig Balsamic 
• 2 garlic, cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 TB. fig jam or fig preserves
• salt and pepper to taste

Mix in a blender and refrigerate until serving.