Apple Pecan Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe

Ingredients

Creamy Lemon Dressing

• 3/4 cup crème fraiche or plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Salad

• 2 heads Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 large Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup candied pecans
• 4 oz. aged white cheddar cheese, grated with a potato peeler or large grater
• 1 tablespoon minced chives

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the crème fraiche or Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and kosher salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set the dressing aside or refrigerate if making ahead (up to 2 days).
2. Place the chopped Romaine lettuce into a large bowl. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples and toss them gently to prevent browning.
3. Add the lemon-coated apple slices, candied pecans, grated aged white cheddar cheese, and minced chives to the bowl with lettuce. Pour the creamy lemon dressing over the salad.
4. Toss all the ingredients together until the salad is well coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Assemble and toss the salad right before serving to preserve freshness and crispness.
• You can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients up to 2 days in advance to save time.
• If crème fraiche is unavailable, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for a tangy dressing.
• Use freshly grated aged white cheddar for a sharper, more pronounced flavor.
• To keep apples from browning longer, toss them in lemon juice promptly after slicing.