Apple Salad with Manchego Cheese & Chives is a darling fall recipe. Sweet-tart apples, buttery cheese, and mild chives in a grassy-lemony dressing. It’s somehow both simple and complex, and at the same time effortless and impressive.

Apple Salad with Manchego Cheese & Chives

Every once in a while, a dish just steals your heart. And this is one of those recipes for me. I first had it at a local restaurant in my area, Love Child. On paper, Apple Salad with Manchego Cheese & Chives sounded good, sure, but it’s not one that immediately stood out for me.

The first time I experienced it, though? Most certainly memorable. One where you and your friends all keep saying, “This is good. This is really good.” And you never forget it, so you decide to make it at home. Again and again.

Complex Simplicity

With only 5 ingredients, this recipe could not be simpler. But in it’s simplicity, it’s simultaneously complex in flavor. A classic pairing of apples and cheese presented in a unique way, which I think is the key.

The apples and cheese are both cut into matchsticks, which makes them hard to distinguish from one another. The chives add both complementary color and a barely-there herbal note. Even with so few ingredients, you’re somehow not quite sure what’s on your fork, but it’s magical.

What is this kitchen witchcraft? Delicious simplicity of sweet, savory, herbal harmony. That’s what. And boy has she cast her spell on me.

Effortlessly Impressive Presentation

The best part? It’s impressive appearance, despite coming together quickly and effortlessly. A mandoline makes this a cinch. If you don’t own one yet, I don’t think you’ll regret the purchase. They’re unparalleled when it comes to even-thin slicing and julienne dicing. However, if you have Jacques Pépin knife skills, a mandoline is not required.

Apple Salad

Use your favorite! My favorite apple varieties are Honeycrisps and Haralsons. My mom, sisters, nieces, and I love visiting Ecker’s Apple Farm. Although visiting an orchard can be a bit cliché (my sister sent me this video if you need a good laugh), Eckers is an absolutely blast if you’re in the Driftless Area. Live music, local beers, and the best apples (of course)!

Manchego Cheese

Manchego is the traditional cheese for this apple salad. Manchego comes from the La Mancha region of Spain from the milk of sheep of the Manchega breed.

It’s firm texture lends itself well to matchstick slices, while the texture is rich and buttery, a perfect foil to the tart, crisp apples. However, in a pinch, sharp white cheddar also works!