Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
A fresh salad combining crisp apples from the Twin Falls region with sharp cheddar, toasted walnuts, and a tangy cider vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed salad greens, cubed sharp cheddar cheese, roughly chopped toasted walnuts 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 280 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
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 medium, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
- 4 oz, cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped toasted walnuts
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until the vinaigrette is emulsified and smooth.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine 6 cups mixed salad greens, 2 thinly sliced Granny Smith apples, 4 oz cubed sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup roughly chopped toasted walnuts.
- Step 3: Drizzle the cider vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Serve immediately as a crisp, regional-inspired starter or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider 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 Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider 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 Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider Vinaigrette 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 Twin Falls Apple and Cheddar Salad with Cider 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.
