Apples and celery are a classic salad duo, eliciting sweet-savory flavor with every crunchy bite. Double down on that crunch by topping with toasted walnuts, and brighten the flavor with a zesty blue cheese vinaigrette. This salad is the perfect compliment to rich main dishes like roasted chicken or turkey, and is equally at home alongside a grilled steak.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil

4 tsp. Champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar

5 oz crumbled blue cheese

4 Tbs. minced shallots

1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 bunch celery, stalks sliced on the bias (diagonal) so that slices are 1.5” – 2” in length

2 SweeTango apples, cored and thinly sliced with a knife or mandolin

1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted

2 Tbs. fresh chives, snipped to ½” length

Preparation:

In a medium bowl, whisk the olive oil and vinegar until emulsified. Add one-third of the blue cheese and use a fork to mash into smaller bits until well incorporated. Stir in the shallots and pepper. Set aside.

In a large serving bowl, combine the celery and SweeTango apple slices and toss gently to mix. Crumble the remaining two-thirds of the blue cheese over the top, then pour the desired quantity of vinaigrette over the top. (Some may be left over.) Sprinkle with the walnuts and chives and serve immediately.