Grilled Apple Salad with Brown Sugar Vinaigrette

This salad is fabulous. 

It was easy to make and had a wide range of flavors that worked perfect together. 

Grilling the apple brought the sweetness out and added that hint of smokiness that paired perfect with the bite and creaminess of the white cheddar cheese. The vinaigrette has a sweet and sour thing going on with a hint of heat that softly hits the back of your throat. 

Top it off with the toasted pecans and you have a salad that's far from ordinary.

I served this salad along side Grilled Pork Chops and Creamy Pumpkin Risotto.

Linked with Weekend Potluck and Foodie Friday.

GRILLED APPLE SALAD with 
BROWN SUGAR VINAIGRETTE

Salad

Mixed greens and spinach

Gala apples (slice across, drizzle with olive oil and grill over medium heat, 2-3 minutes on each side)

Shaved x-sharp white cheddar cheese

Toasted whole pecans or walnuts

Toss together mixed greens  & spinach, top with grilled apple slices, shaved white cheddar cheese and toasted pecans. Drizzle with Brown Sugar Viniagrette.

Brown Sugar Vinaigrette

2/3 c. olive oil

2/3 cup apple cider vinegar

2 grn onion, minced

1 1/2 tbsp dark brown sugar

3 tbsp basil, chopped

1 tbsp Dijon

½ tsp red pepper

¼ tsp salt

Place all ingredients in a jar and shake.