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Apple Salad with Manchego Cheese & Chives

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

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.

apple salad plate
apple harvest
apple orchard

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!

apple salad ingredients
apple harvest
apple salad dog
apple salad

Apple Salad with Manchego Cheese & Chives

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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Mandoline (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 firm sweet-tart apples
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice divided
  • 4 ounces manchego cheese
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chives chopped

Instructions
 

  • Using a mandoline or knife, cut apples into matchsticks. Toss with 1 tablespoon lemon to prevent browning.
  • Using a mandoline or knife, cut manchego into matschsticks. Toss with apples.
  • Whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice and olive oil. Toss with salad. Garnish with chives. Serve immediately (though the apples lose some crispness, I find leftover are still delicious for a couple days).
Keyword easy, fall, healthy, vegetarian
Did you make this recipe?Tag us @petalbackfarm on Instagram or leave a comment below!
apple salad recipe

Alright, pal! That’s all you need for a quick, delicious salad with the prettiest presentation.

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