Looking for a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s anything but boring? This Apple Blue Cheese Salad hits all the right notes – crisp apple slices, peppery arugula, sweet dried cherries, crunchy pecans, and pungent blue cheese, all brought together with a tangy maple vinaigrette.

This post is sponsored by Crunch Pak®.

It’s an elevated salad perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated side dish, or an impressive starter for any meal. Plus, with the convenience of Crunch Pak® Apple Slices, assembly is a breeze!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Blue Cheese Salad:

• Flavor Harmony: A perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and peppery notes.
• Textural Delight: Enjoy the crunch of apples and pecans contrasting with soft cheese and tender greens.
• Quick & Easy: Designed for busy lifestyles, especially with pre-sliced apples.
• Versatile: Great as a side, light meal, or a starter.
• Nutrient-Packed: A delicious way to get your greens and fruit!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes! The maple vinaigrette can be made several days in advance and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before drizzling over the salad as the oil and vinegar may separate.

Can I prep the salad ingredients ahead of time?

You can wash and dry the arugula, chop the nuts, and crumble the cheese. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Is this salad suitable for a potluck?

Yes, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate and toss the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting and the apples from getting soggy. Bring all the components in individual containers.

What kind of blue cheese is best for this recipe?

Any blue cheese you enjoy will work! Roquefort (strong and salty), Gorgonzola (can be mild or pungent), Stilton (creamy and sharp), or a more common supermarket blue cheese crumble are all great options. Choose based on your preference for intensity.

Tips, Substitutions & Variations:

• Greens:
  • Substitution: Try mixed greens, spinach, or chopped romaine lettuce for a different texture.
• Dried Cherries:
  • Substitution: Dried cranberries, dried blueberries, or even finely chopped dates can offer a similar sweetness and chewiness.
• Pecans: To toast pecans (or any nuts), spread them in a single layer on a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently until fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Watch them closely as they can burn quickly!
  • Substitution: Walnuts, candied pecans, or almonds would be delicious alternatives. For a nut-free option, use toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Blue Cheese: If you’re not a fan of strong blue cheese, opt for a milder variety like Gorgonzola Dolce, or substitute with:
  • Substitution: Crumbled goat cheese (tangy), feta cheese (salty), or even shaved Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
• Dressing Variations:
  • Sweeter: Add a touch more maple syrup.
  • Creamier: Whisk in a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
  • Herby: Add a pinch of dried thyme or a tiny bit of fresh chopped rosemary to the dressing.
  • Lighter: Use fresh lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar, or a combination.
• Add Protein: Make this salad a full meal by adding grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or chickpeas.
• Other Add-ins: Thinly sliced red onion (matchstick cut), candied walnuts, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can elevate this salad further.

Ingredients for Apple Blue Cheese Salad:

For the Salad:

• 6 Cups Baby Arugula
• 1 bag Crunch Pak® Apple Slices
• ¼ Cup Dried Cherries
• ¼ Cup Pecans, toasted and chopped
• ¼ Cup crumbled Blue Cheese

Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:

• 1 Tbsp. (heaping) Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp. Maple Syrup (more to taste)
• 1 tsp. Apple Cider Vinegar (more to taste)
• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, to taste

Directions for Apple Blue Cheese Salad & Maple Vinaigrette

Make the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small jar with a lid, combine the Dijon mustard (1 Tbsp), maple syrup (1 Tbsp), apple cider vinegar (1 tsp), olive oil (¼ cup), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Shake Well: Secure the lid tightly on the jar and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust maple syrup or apple cider vinegar if you prefer it sweeter or tangier.

Build the Salad

1. Prepare Greens: Add the baby arugula to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add Toppings: Scatter the Crunch Pak® Apple Slices, dried cherries, and toasted and chopped pecans over the arugula.
3. Add Blue Cheese: Crumble the blue cheese evenly over the salad ingredients.

Dress & Toss: Drizzle the prepared maple vinaigrette dressing over the salad.

Serve: Toss everything gently until well combined and serve immediately. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!

This Apple Blue Cheese Salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will impress. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests. Give it a try and let us know your favorite way to customize it in the comments!

Why We Love Crunch Pak®

We partner with Crunch Pak® because they are on a mission to help busy families like you have access to affordable and nutritious snacks that everyone loves. From their snack packs to their bags of prepped, ready-to-eat apples, they offer a variety of snack options complete with fruits, veggies, and protein. And all of their apples are grown right in the US!

More Great Recipes from Crunch Pak®

• Apple Pie Cupcakes – apple pie in cupcake form
• Sheet Pan Apple Pancakes – baked pancakes to feed the whole family
• Green Apple Nachos – a fun and fruity twist on America’s favorite snack, nachos
• Apple Crisp Bars – pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Sweet & Savory English Muffins – no cook breakfast ready in 5 minutes
• Bakery Style Apple Slices – a sweet treat to feed a crowd
• Apple & Pear Puff Pancake – made in the oven and topped with sweet, tart fruit