Crisp Autumn Apple-Pear Salad with Zesty Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of fall with this refreshing Crisp Autumn Apple-Pear Salad. This delightful mixture of crisp romaine lettuce, tender Swiss cheese, and a blend of sweet apples and pears is perfectly complemented by the crunchy texture of roasted cashews and the tart-sweet burst of dried cranberries. Topped with a homemade lemon-poppy seed dressing, this salad makes for an ideal starter or a light main course—perfect for any gathering or as a wholesome alternative for lunch. Inspired by the March 2007 edition of Southern Living Magazine, this salad combines fresh ingredients to provide a nutritious, satisfying, and delicious meal that everyone will love.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Romaine Lettuce
16 ounces (thoroughly washed and chopped)
Swiss Cheese
6 ounces (block, shaved)
Roasted Cashews
1 cup (salted)
Dried Sweetened Cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
Apple
1 large (thinly sliced)
Pear
1 large (thinly sliced)
Light Olive Oil
2/3 cup (none)
Sugar
1/2 cup (none)
Fresh Lemon Juice
1/3 cup (none)
Poppy Seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Finely Chopped Onions
2 teaspoons (none)
Dijon Mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, shaved Swiss cheese, roasted cashews, dried cranberries, apple slices, and pear slices. Gently toss to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
2
In a separate bowl or blender, prepare the Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing. Add the light olive oil, sugar, fresh lemon juice, poppy seeds, finely chopped onions, Dijon mustard, and salt. Blend or whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss carefully, ensuring all the ingredients are coated evenly.
4
To serve, divide the salad among individual chilled plates or bowls for an attractive presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this salad recipe?
The recipe is called Crisp Autumn Apple-Pear Salad with Zesty Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing.
What type of lettuce is used in the Crisp Autumn Apple-Pear Salad?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of thoroughly washed and chopped romaine lettuce.
What kind of cheese is added to this salad?
The salad includes 6 ounces of shaved Swiss cheese.
What type of nuts are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of roasted salted cashews.
Which dried fruit is used in the Crisp Autumn Apple-Pear Salad?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of dried sweetened cranberries.
How should the apple and pear be prepared?
Both the large apple and the large pear should be thinly sliced.
What are the ingredients for the Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing?
The dressing consists of light olive oil, sugar, fresh lemon juice, poppy seeds, finely chopped onions, Dijon mustard, and salt.
How much light olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 2/3 cup of light olive oil.
How much sugar is used in the lemon-poppy seed dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar in the dressing.
Is fresh lemon juice required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.
How many poppy seeds are added to the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 tablespoons of poppy seeds.
Is onion used in the salad dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes 2 teaspoons of finely chopped onions.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How many servings does this salad recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This salad was inspired by the March 2007 edition of Southern Living Magazine.
Is this salad considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the tags, this recipe is vegetarian.
Can this salad be served as a main course?
Yes, it is described as an ideal starter or a light main course.
How should the salad be served for the best presentation?
The salad should be divided among individual chilled plates or bowls.
How do you prepare the Lemon-Poppy Seed Dressing?
Combine the oil, sugar, lemon juice, poppy seeds, onions, mustard, and salt in a bowl or blender and whisk or blend until smooth.
How do you combine the salad ingredients?
Combine the lettuce, cheese, cashews, cranberries, apple, and pear in a large bowl and gently toss.
When should the dressing be added to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture just before serving and toss carefully to coat evenly.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
It features a blend of sweet fruits, savory cheese, crunchy nuts, and a zesty, tart-sweet dressing.
What is the recommended category for this recipe?
The recipe is categorized under Apple.
What type of cashews should be used?
The recipe specifies using roasted and salted cashews.
Are the cranberries sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe uses dried sweetened cranberries.
What is the suggested preparation for the Swiss cheese?
The Swiss cheese should be shaved from a block.
Is this recipe appropriate for an autumn gathering?
Yes, it is specifically designed to celebrate the flavors of fall.
What is the amount of salt needed for the dressing?
The dressing requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the weight of the romaine lettuce used?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of romaine lettuce.