Name: Apple Wedge Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 romaine heart; 1/2 apple, chopped; 2 pieces cooked, crumbled bacon; 2 Tablespoons chopped walnuts; 2 Tablespoons gorgonzola cheese; 1 Tablespoon thinly sliced red onion; 3 Tablespoons mayo; 1 Tablespoon light olive oil; 1 Tablespoon golden balsamic vinegar; 1/2 Tablespoon honey; pinch of pepper

This Apple Wedge Salad is loaded with fresh apples, chopped walnuts, crispy bacon, and gorgonzola cheese, then topped with a sweet, creamy golden balsamic dressing! The perfect salad for fall!

You know how there are some things that sound better in theory than they are in practice? We have several of them in our lives, but one of the main ones right now involves FaceTime. When it comes to FaceTime, I have always had mixed feelings. On the one hand, what a fun way to keep in touch with people! Especially people like grandmas and grandpas, or aunts and uncles, or cousins. There’s nothing my kids love more than Face Timing family. At least in theory. But when it comes to practice, it’s often another story!

When it comes to practice, no one actually wants to hold the phone, or pause what they’re doing, or have a conversation that lasts more than a few minutes. And then there’s Myla – who does want to hold the phone and does want to have a long-lasting “conversation” – but doesn’t know how to not hang up on whoever she’s talking to! She grabs the phone and runs off with it…..and then proceeds to hang up about 7 times before we finally call it quits. Yes, some things are just better in theory.

But. Every now and then you run across something that’s good in theory and even better in practice…..like this Apple Wedge Salad! It’s a little idea I’ve been cooking up for a while, using all my favorite fall flavors, and the end result was even better than I could have imagined. Sweet, crisp apples, creamy gorgonzola cheese, crunchy walnuts, crispy bacon, and the best creamy balsamic dressing. It’s like fall on a plate. In the best possible way.

what you’ll need for this recipe

Lettuce – Lettuce is the base of this salad, and unlike traditional wedge salad which uses iceberg lettuce, I used 1 heart of romaine lettuce. You can feel free to substitute iceberg or another variety if you prefer.
Apple – I used 1/2 of an apple, which I chopped into 1/2 inch pieces. Feel free to use any kind of apple you have on hand.
Bacon – Cooked, crumbled bacon adds delicious flavor and a savory element to this salad. I used 2 pieces of bacon. You can also use store bought bacon crumbles as a time saver.
Walnuts – Chopped walnuts add more delicious flavor and a crunchy texture to this salad. I used 2 Tablespoons of chopped walnuts, but you could also use pecans or slivered almonds.
Gorgonzola – I used 2 Tablespoons of gorgonzola cheese, which is a slightly less pungent version of blue cheese. I love the apple + gorgonzola combo, but if you’re not a gorgonzola fan feel free to substitute feta, goat cheese, Parmesan, cheddar, or any of your favorites.
Onion – 1 Tablespoon of thinly sliced or chopped red onion adds just the right kick to this salad. Not an onion fan? Feel free to omit.
Dressing – No salad is complete without dressing, and this recipe calls for homemade creamy golden balsamic vinaigrette. You can also use honey mustard, apple cider vinaigrette, balsamic, or any type of dressing you enjoy!

how to make apple wedge salad

Top romaine heart with remaining salad ingredients.
Prepared dressing by combining all ingredients in a small mason jar and shaking vigorously.
Drizzle salad with dressing as desired.

Recipe Variations

Use any of your favorite types of lettuce
Add or substitute pears for the apples
Use any type of apple (Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious would all work well)
Substitute feta or goat cheese for blue cheese
Substitute pecans, almonds or any type of nuts for the walnuts
Top it with honey mustard, apple cider vinaigrette, or balsamic vinaigrette
Make it chopped by chopping the lettuce first

more fall salads you’ll love