Macy’s salad

My middle daughter, Macy, just loves this salad. With its sweet and nutty fl avours, I guess you could say it’s a bit of a play on a Waldorf salad, but without the mayo. This works nicely as a starter or a larger bowlful is good for lunch, as it’s easy to put together on the run – it really does take 5 minutes. I fi nd Forum chardonnay vinegar worth the expense, but there are some good Australian wine vinegars around now too. Ready-to-go activated almonds are available in health food shops: super-fresh-tasting, they add crunch to this simple salad.

Great

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

.On a chopping board, cut the cheeks of f the apples, then cut of f the apple on either side of the core. Discard the core and cut the apple into 5 mm (¼ inch) slices. Place in a large bowl, adding the lemon juice to stop it from oxidising.

Step 2

Cut the celery into 5 mm (¼ inch) slices on the diagonal and add to the bowl. Cut the dates in half, then cut the halves into matchsticks, and add to the bowl as well.

Step 3

Add the lettuce to the bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Add the vinegar and olive oil and toss gentle to incorporate everything.

Step 5

Divide the salad between four plates or bowls and, using a peeler, thinly slice the cheese over the top, then sprinkle with the almonds and serve.

Step 6

Variations This salad is delicious dressed with buttermilk dressing (here) or indeed a light coating of mayonnaise. In place of the almonds, try walnuts, hazelnuts or macadamias.