German Apple & Field Salad with Candied Walnuts

• •5 oz mâche (lamb's lettuce or baby field greens) (rinsed, trimmed, and gently dried)
• •2 piece crisp tart apples (such as Boskoop, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith) (cored, quartered, and thinly sliced)
• •0.5 cup walnut halves (roughly chopped)
• •1.5 tbsp honey (for glazing walnuts)
• •3 oz aged Gouda or Bergkäse (mountain cheese) (shaved or cut into small cubes)
• •1 piece small red shallot (very thinly sliced)
• •3 tbsp sunflower oil or light olive oil (traditional German neutral dressing base)
• •2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (naturally cloudy preferred)
• •1 tsp German whole grain mustard (Körnersenf) (or medium-hot German mustard)
• •1 tsp pure maple syrup or honey (for dressing)
• •0.3 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
• •0.3 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small dry skillet set over medium heat, toast the chopped walnuts for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add 1.5 tablespoons of honey and a tiny pinch of salt, stirring continuously for about 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling and caramelized. Transfer immediately to parchment paper to cool completely.

2. 2

   In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, German whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon of honey, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until emulsified.

3. 3

   In a large shallow salad bowl, lay down the tender mâche (lamb's lettuce) or field greens as the bed.

4. 4

   Arrange the sliced apples, shaved shallots, and shaved Bergkäse or Gouda evenly across the greens. Scatter the cooled candied walnuts over top.

5. 5

   Drizzle the whole grain mustard vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving and toss gently.

Chef's Tips

• 💡Mâche (known as Feldsalat in Germany) is the quintessential German winter green; if you cannot find it, baby spinach, butter lettuce, or watercress make fantastic substitutes.
• 💡Toss the apple slices in a few drops of apple cider vinegar right after cutting to prevent browning if preparing in advance.
• 💡For an authentic Bavarian touch, you can add 2 tablespoons of cooked, crispy diced speck or bacon lardons to the salad.