Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines crisp apples, mixed greens, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy crispy shallots, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. This salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Let’s explore how to make this delicious salad!
Ingredients:
For the crispy shallots:
- 2 large shallots, thinly sliced into rings
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the salad:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and thinly sliced
- 6 cups mixed greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta cheese)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for extra crunch)
For the apple cider vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the crispy shallots:
- Place the thinly sliced shallots in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Drain the shallots and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
- Dredge the shallot rings in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the shallots in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove the crispy shallots with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- Prepare the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced apples, mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Make the apple cider vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the salad:
- Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the salad gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Divide the salad among serving plates or bowls.
- Top each serving with a generous amount of crispy shallots.
- Optionally, sprinkle additional goat cheese or walnuts on top for garnish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots as a delicious and nutritious meal!
Tips:
- Crispy shallots: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shallots to ensure they become crispy and golden brown. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the crispy shallots and apple cider vinaigrette ahead of time. Store the crispy shallots in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Store the vinaigrette in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and shake well before using.
- Variations: Feel free to customize this salad by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or grilled chicken for added protein.
This Apple Salad with Crispy Shallots is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy flavors that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy it as a light lunch or alongside your favorite main dish!