Apple Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
This apple gorgonzola salad with balsamic vinaigrette combines crisp apples, gorgonzola, pecans and dried cranberries in a fresh, tasty salad.
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Apple Gorgonzola Salad
Like many of you, I’m obsessed with Panera salads, specifically the Fuji apple salad. It is seasonal and I look forward to it every fall, similar to all things pumpkin spice!
For the last day of #fallflavorsweek I decided to make my own copycat Panera apple gorgonzola salad, but tweak it a bit.
Be sure to show some love to the other bloggers participating this week. You will find the links at the bottom of this post.
Here are just a few reasons why you will love this salad:
- Perfect flavor balance – crisp apples, tangy gorgonzola, and sweet dried cranberries compliment each other beautifully.
- Nutty crunch – pecans add the perfect texture and richness to every bite.
- Fresh and light – a refreshing salad that’s satisfying without being heavy.
- Easy to make – simple ingredients come together quickly for a gourmet touch.
- Crowd-pleasing dish – ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or a flavorful weekend lunch.
Ingredients for Salad
You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this fall salad (the exact measurements, nutrition information and full recipe are all in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post).
- Greens: I used a blend of romaine, baby spinach and red leaf lettuce. Use your favorites. Kale would also be a great addition.
- Fruits: Thinly sliced apples. I used Gala, Fuji would also work well. Panera uses apple chips. (I’m planning on making some this weekend in the air fryer).
- Toppings: Pecans, dried cranberries and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Feel free to substitute with blue cheese and walnuts.
- Vegetables: Panera includes tomatoes and red onions. I omitted these because I’m not a huge fan.
Ingredients for Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Honey
- Dijon Mustard
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
Step 1. Wash and Slice Apples
Wash your apples well and slice in thin slices.
Step 2. Blend Greens
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine mixed greens.
Step 3. Add Toppings
Add the sliced apples, gorgonzola cheese crumbles, pecans and dried cranberries to the bowl.
Drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve and enjoy.
For a bit of protein, top with thinly sliced chicken, or steak!
Just look at this yumminess:
This is something I could eat everyday for lunch. What is your favorite fall salad?
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Enjoy these fall recipes:
- Cranberry Cinnamon Roll Casserole by The Spiffy Cookie
- Pumpkin Cookies with Brown Butter Frosting by Hezzi-D’s Recipe Box
- Apple Chai Scones by Blogghetti
- Ginger Spiced Pear Compote with Cranberries by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Sicilian Eggplant Parmigiana by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Spiced Maple Toffee Apple Smoothie Bowl by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
- Pumpkin Bagels by Art of Natural Living
- Crispy Molasses Cookies by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Easy Peach Ginger Skillet Crisp by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Apple Gorgonzola Salad by Easy Recipes For One
- Kale and Kabocha Paratha by Magical Ingredients
Thanks for visiting.
Apple Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups Mixed Greens
- 1 Apple, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup Gorgonzola Cheese
- 1/4 cup Pecans
- 1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Blend mixed greens in a large mixing bowl.
- Add sliced apples, pecans, dried cranberries and gorgonzola cheese.
- Divide among two individual plates.
Make Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Add dijon mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to a bowl and whisk together.
- Slowly add the oil while whisking. Continue whisking until blended well.
- Toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy!
Notes
Here are even more easy recipes you may enjoy:
- Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip with Rotisserie Chicken
- Butterfly Pea Flower Cocktail
- 15+ Easy Chicken and Rice Recipes
- 30 Tasty Sandwich Wrap Recipes
- Pizza Sliders on Hawaiian Rolls
- Ham Steak Sheet Pan Dinner
- Viral Dirty Alani Witches Brew
- Fanta Jack O’ Lantern Floats
- Halloween Chocolate Covered Oreos
- Breakfast Yogurt Banana Split
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I’ll take your tomatoes and red onions and you can have my gorgonzola 🙂 I’m thinking I’d go with goat cheese. That dressing sounds fantastic!