Fall Fest: Apples Give Salad Crunch

You could spend hours browsing the in season apple selections at the famers' market but I'm happy to head right to the Honey Crisp variety. Some might call these the "fancy" variety because they can be a bit more expensive. But one bite of this super sweet and crunchy gift from the orchard and I promise, you'll be sold. So I'm happy to eat these as soon as I can get my hands on them, but their super-sweet quality and zero chance for mealy texture, makes them the perfect candidate for a salad mix-in.
By: Cameron Curtis

We're kicking off our season long Fall Fest 2011, which welcomes food and garden bloggers to feature garden-to-table recipes and tips. We’ll help you to enjoy all that this season has to offer. First up is the autumnal favorite: apples.

You could spend hours browsing the extensive selection of in-season apples at the farmers' market, but I'm happy to head straight for the Honey Crisp variety. Some might call these  "fancy" because they cost a little more.  But one bite of this super sweet and crunchy gift from the orchard and I promise, you'll be sold.

So I'm happy to eat these as soon as I can get my hands on them, but their super-sweet quality and zero chance for mealy texture makes them the perfect candidate for a salad mix-in.

Kelsey uses green apples in this Spinach and Green Apple Salad (but I swap in my Honey Crisp favorites) that pairs their crunchy texture with baby spinach leaves and walnuts.

Ellie Krieger's Spinach And Green Apple Salad As seen on Food Network

Ellie Krieger's Spinach And Green Apple Salad As seen on Food Network

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Giada's Holiday Salad can be served any time of year. The apple and endive base is complemented by the creaminess of Gruyere cheese and avocado slices.

Holiday SEO; 
Holiday Salad,Holiday SEO; 
Holiday Salad

Holiday SEO; Holiday Salad,Holiday SEO; Holiday Salad

Photo by: Armando Rafael ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Armando Rafael, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.

Keep the theme going through dessert and add apples to a fruit salad. Try Hungry Girl's Ginormous Fruit Salad Surprise and swap in your fall favorites from the market.

Any way you slice them, apples are the perfect addition to any sweet or savory salad.

More Apple Recipes from Family and Friends

CIA Dropout: Apple-Roasted Duck
The Cultural Dish: Apple Cider Martini

From My Corner of Saratoga: Easy Skillet Apple Pie (A Southern Living Recipe Reviewed)

Haute Apple Pie: Baked Apple Pancake

Virtually Vegan Mama: Slow Cooker Apple Date Butter

Big Girls Small Kitchen: Apple Pancakes
What's Gaby Cooking: Apple Cake

The Sensitive Epicure: Pan Fried Apple Rings (Gluten-Free)

Dishin & Dishes: Old Fashioned Apple Crisp
Cooking With Elise: Wholegrain Apple Oat Pancakes

Next Up

Fall Fest: Caramel Apples for Halloween

Happy Halloween! You might be full of mini candy bars already but since they are mainly a crispy fruit, there's always room for candy-coated apples.

Fall Fest: Lettuce (Hold the Salad)

Skip the salad and go for one of these (still healthy) delicious lettuce recipes from Cooking Channel.

On TV

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