Mixed Greens Salad with Apples, Bleu Cheese & Walnuts

Here is a great salad to eat as a meal by itself or serve on the side of a main entrée. It is easy to make ahead for any party or potluck. Granny Smith apples are marinated in this dijon-vinaigrette salad dressing and bleu cheese and walnuts are tossed over a bed of mixed greens.  This tangy vinaigrette goes beautifully with tart apples and pungent bleu cheese. The dressing can be prepared up to three days ahead and refrigerated in a jar. One of my favorite ways to eat bleu cheese is in a salad. I love the contrast of the sharp-tasting, creamy, salty cheese with the crispy, sweet fruit,  and the earthy-buttery nuts. The garnish of crunchy walnuts adds texture and flavor to this simple, yet elegant salad.

Mixed Green Salad with Apples, Bleu Cheese & Walnuts

Serves 4

Ingredients

Dressing

• 1/3 cup  apple cider vinegar
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  teaspoons  Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper

Salad:

• 4 cups torn mixed greens
• 1  cup  chopped Granny Smith apple
• 1/4  cup  (1 ounce) crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, divided

Directions

To prepare dressing, combine all the ingredients in a jar. Cover tightly; shake vigorously.

To prepare salad, combine lettuce and remaining ingredients in a bowl. Add dressing; toss well.