09 Apr Apples, Nuts, Cheese and Horseradish?

Last night was the first night of Passover. For the last 17 years, I have attended the Seder at the home of Marcia and Art…and it is so special to me that I hope we get invited for the next 17 years. Often, I am tapped to create salads for dinner parties and this, the Mother of all dinner parties (27 people in attendance) was no different. I do consider salads my specialty and am flattered when one is requested.

The time was ticking and my mind was racing as the clock struck 5:00pm. I had no idea what I was going to make for the salad. I quickly took inventory of the kitchen-what did we have that could feed 27 people? Apples, white cheddar cheese, almonds, spinach and red leaf lettuce. That was it! Now, the dressing…a few months back, I attended a party where the most delicious horseradish dressing was served. (Thanks, Sheral!) I pulled out that recipe and within about 15 minutes, my salad was complete.

Seder Salad

Gala Apples, rinsed, cored and sliced into very thin slices (leave the skin on-less work and more fiber)
Almonds, toasted (put into toaster oven and press “toast”)
Aged White Cheddar Cheese, cubed (Kerrygold’s Dubliner)
Spinach and/or any mild mixed greens

Note: if not using apples immediately, place in a container with lemon juice and water to avoid browning.

There are no amounts given for the above ingredients. Use your best judgement. If you like more apples, add more. If you like fewer nuts, use fewer nuts. You get the drill.

Horseradish Vinaigrette
1/3 cup white wine vinegar ( I used regular old distilled vinegar)
1/2 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish ( I used extra spicy, because that’s the kind of girl I am)
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I did not use)
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon (I did not use)
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, finely chopped ( I did not use)
1 1/2 tsp. honey
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper

Whisk together all ingredients. Serve immediately, or cover and chill up to 4 days.
Makes 1 cup.

I must say that while I love the horseradish dressing, the hit of the salad was the Kerrygold Dubliner Cheese. At least 5 people asked me what kind it was and where they could find it. FYI, it’s widely available and can even be found at Costco.

By the way, this exact salad will make an encore at a dinner party this coming Saturday night.

Tell me….. what is your “Go-To Salad”?