German Apple & Field Salad with Candied Walnuts
A classic German bistro-style salad featuring tender mâche (lamb's lettuce), crisp tart apples, and caramelized walnuts tossed in a zesty apple cider and whole grain mustard vinaigrette. Shaved aged Gouda or mountain cheese adds the perfect savory balance to the sweet, crisp fruit.
Ingredients
- •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)
- •0.25 tsp fine sea salt (or to taste)
- •0.25 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
Instructions
- 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.
Time: 5 min - 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.
Time: 3 min - 3.
In a large shallow salad bowl, lay down the tender mâche (lamb's lettuce) or field greens as the bed.
Time: 2 min - 4.
Arrange the sliced apples, shaved shallots, and shaved Bergkäse or Gouda evenly across the greens. Scatter the cooled candied walnuts over top.
Time: 3 min - 5.
Drizzle the whole grain mustard vinaigrette evenly over the salad just before serving and toss gently.
Time: 2 min
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.
Recipe from TheCookbook.ai
Created by Anonymous