Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A crisp and refreshing salad blending tart apples and sharp cheddar with a sweet maple vinaigrette, capturing regional harvest tastes. This american-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, sharp cheddar cheese, cubed, toasted pecans into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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.

Prep: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 thinly sliced medium Granny Smith apple, 1/2 cup cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup toasted pecans.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the maple vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture contrast and bright flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mixed salad greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

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 Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Midwest-Inspired Apple and Cheddar Salad with Maple Vinaigrette?

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.

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