apple salads

Forget the boring apple salads. This one is full of crisp fall flavor with arugula, radicchio, celery, fennel, apples, sharp cheddar, dates, roasted pumpkin seeds, and the easiest maple Dijon dressing. It’s fresh and colorful, a little sweet, a little savory, and the type of salad you’ll want on repeat all season long. Plus, you can add a protein to make it a full meal.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 ounces arugula
• 1 head radicchio, thinly sliced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
• 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
• 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

For the dressing:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 2 teaspoons whole-grain mustard
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, add the arugula, radicchio, celery, fennel, apples, and cheddar cheese.

2. Make the dressing: In a bowl or container with a lid, add the garlic, shallot, whole-grain mustard, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Mix to combine.

3. Assemble: Pour half of the dressing on top of the salad and toss to combine. Finish with the dates and pumpkin seeds. Drizzle on the remaining dressing, as desired, and serve immediately.