Mixed Greens with Apples and Walnut Vinaigrette

Found the fabulous recipe in a recent issue of Sunset Magazine. It is perfect for that special holiday meal.

• Ready In: 27 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 3⁄4 cup  chopped walnuts
• 1⁄3 cup walnut oil or 1⁄3 cup  vegetable oil
• 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar
• 3  tablespoons shallots, minced
• 1  clove garlic, peeled and minced
• 1  teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon  firmly packed brown sugar
• 2  tablespoons  thinly sliced fresh chives
•  salt and pepper
• 2  fuji apples or 2  other sweet apples
• 3⁄4 cup  thinly slivered red onion
• 6  quarts  mixed baby greens (1 pound bag)
• 8  ounces maytag blue cheese or 8  ounces  other blue cheese, crumbled

Directions

1. In 8- to 10-inch frying pan over medium heat, stir walnuts often until lightly browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In large bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, shallots, garlic, mustard, sugar and 2 tablespoons of the toasted walnuts.
4. Stir in chives and salt and pepper.
5. Core and slice apples and then cut into bite-size pieces.
6. Add apples with onion to mixed baby greens.
7. Add dressing and mix to coat.
8. Add half the cheese and mix gently.
9. Mound salad equally on 8 to 10 plates.
10. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and toasted walnuts.