Fall Salad of Apple and Walnuts

No matter what time of year it is we need to eat salads with regularity.  Most people enjoy salad during the hot summer months only but if you think about what is in season, and taylor your salad around those ingredients, you can create a seasonal salad. 

This one has green apples, walnuts, and cheddar cheese in it. The apples are a nod to Fall.  Using reduced apple juice and apple cider vinegar in the dressing also speak of fall.  The minute you taste it you realize it even says Fall.

Ingredients:
1 cup apple juice
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup Walnuts
4 to 5 cups baby salad greens
1 green apple
1 oz chuck of cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes 

Place apple juice in small saucepan and cook over medium heat until reduced to 3 tablespoons.  Allow to cool.

Toast walnuts in a skillet over medium high heat. Move them around in the pan every few seconds to prevent burning.  Toast until you smell them and they start to turn slightly brown.  Cool. Chop coarsely.

Make the dressing by combining the reduced apple juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Whisk all in small bowl.

Core the apple then lay on side and slice thinly.

Assemble the salad by placing greens in a large bowl, add the walnuts and apple, and toss with dressing.  (You may not need all the dressing.)  Plate, then place cheese over top.
  
Serves 2