Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing
A crisp salad featuring mixed greens, toasted pecans, and apple slices, tossed in a tangy maple-Dijon vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes blends mixed salad greens, medium honeycrisp apple, toasted pecans into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 medium honeycrisp apple
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Thinly slice apple into 1/4-inch wedges. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup toasted pecans, and apple slices. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Divide salad among plates. Serve immediately while greens are crisp and dressing is fresh — avoid waiting as greens wilt quickly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Country Classic Car Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
