Terre Haute-Inspired Mixed Greens Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-03 · Updated 2026-07-03

A fresh salad combining mixed greens, crisp apples, toasted pecans, and sharp cheddar, tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette reflective of Indiana produce. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, roughly chopped toasted pecans, shredded sharp cheddar cheese 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 220 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Ingredients

• 5 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 medium, thinly sliced Granny Smith apple
• 1/2 cup, roughly chopped toasted pecans
• 1/2 cup, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 small, thinly sliced red onion
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 thinly sliced Granny Smith apple, 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans, 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately for best texture.