Cranberry Mustard Dressing

Ever since I made the Apple Quesadillas, I have been experimenting more with apples as an ingredient. I’m starting to realize how much I like raw apples mixed in with dishes I wouldn’t have normally even considered trying. I came up with this salad one night as I was searching for something small to eat while dinner was cooking.

Fall inspired salad

Since it’s fall I started toying around with the idea of making a salad that celebrates all the great tastes of fall. Apples and cranberries are classic fall flavors and I knew that I had to create a salad around those two personalities. Something simple where the apples and cranberries would become the focus and not be overpowered by other ingredients.

Andrea’s Tastes of Fall Salad

• Romaine
• Chopped red apple
• Dried Cranberries
• Pumpkin seeds
• Crushed walnuts
• Crumbled goat cheese

Now guys, since this is a salad, you can make it as big or as small as you would like. This is why I didn’t give any amounts to the ingredients because it’s up to you! When I made this salad, I made it as a small little starter dish to our meal. But it is certainly hardy enough that it could be a meal. Add some turkey and you have even more fall flavor!

Salad and dressing

This salad was so light and full of flavor that I needed a dressing that would accent the salad instead of weighting it down. I wanted something that would keep the theme going but also make a really nice presentation. As I rummaged around in my pantry I came across some cranberry jelly. Ah ha! That would do the trick.

Andrea’s Cran-Mustard Dressing

• 2 TBSP of cranberry jelly
• 2 tsp of dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp of honey
• 2 tsp of white wine vinegar
• 2 TBSP of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

In a small mixing bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended. This will make a slightly thicker type of dressing, so keep that in mind as you are mixing. Drizzle over salad and serve!

If you don’t have any cranberry jelly, a nice basic balsamic dressing would work well on this salad.

I loved eating the apples and cranberries with this salad. The apples are sweet and crunchy while the cranberries are chewy. The two textures compliment each other perfectly and keep you interested as you’re eating the salad. I’ve been putting apples in my salad ever since!

Have fun guys and remember, always play with your food!