I’ll be blunt: too many people treat salads like an afterthought, a bland pile of greens tossed in mediocre dressing. That stops now. Today, we’re diving headfirst into my Gordon Ramsay Crisp Butter Leaf Salad With Apple Vinaigrette and Tangy Blue Cheese Recipea bold, invigorating dish that refuses to be overshadowed by any main course.

This is not just another Gordon Ramsay Crisp Butter Leaf Salad Recipe; it’s your invitation to shake off complacency and embrace a new level of flavor.

Picture crunchy butter leaf lettuce drizzled with a sweet-yet-sharp Apple Vinaigrette Salad dressing, punched up by the bold bite of Tangy Blue Cheese Salad crumbles.

It’s a symphony of tastes, guaranteed to break you out of your comfort zone.

There’s no room for half measures here – if you want to call yourself a serious home cook, you’ll welcome this Butter Leaf Salad with Blue Cheese as your go-to Fall Salad Recipe.

So grab your whisk, muster some courage, and let’s give your taste buds the wake-up call they deserve.

After you’ve mastered this Blue Cheese Vinaigrette masterpiece, take a moment to reflect on where you’re holding back—both in the kitchen and in life.

Are you ready to step up, or will you shrink from greatness?

The choice is yours.

Gordon Ramsay Crisp Butter Leaf Salad With Apple Vinaigrette and Tangy Blue Cheese Recipe

Gordon Ramsay Crisp Butter Leaf Salad With Apple Vinaigrette and Tangy Blue Cheese Recipe

Servings 4 People

Ingredients
  

Apple Cider Vinaigrette

  • 1 tablespoon chopped shallot 
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil 
  • 1 lemon, for juicing 
  • Flaky sea salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Butter Leaf and Spinach Salad

  • 2 heads of butter leaf, cleaned and leaves separated 
  • 3 cups baby spinach 
  • 1 chilled honeycrisp apple

Optional

  • Handful of toasted walnuts 
  • Pickled shallot
  • 4 ounces tangy blue cheese, chilled*

Instructions
 

Make the Vinaigrette

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the chopped shallot, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until they’re fully combined. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, then squeeze in the juice of half a lemon for a bright, tangy finish. Set this dressing aside to let the flavors meld.

Build the Salad Base

  • Choose your favorite crisp greens—baby spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuce—and arrange them in a serving bowl. Keep them well-chilled for maximum freshness.

Add Fresh Apple

  • Using the large holes on a box grater, grate the apple (minus the core) over the greens. The sweet apple shreds add both color and a subtle sweetness to the salad.

Additional Step-by-Step Instructions

Top with Crunchy Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of chopped walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch, followed by a few pickled shallot slices for an added burst of tang.

Drizzle and Crumble

Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring the greens and apple are lightly coated. Then, take your firmed-up blue cheese (chilled in the freezer for about 30 minutes) and crumble it generously over everything.

Serve Immediately

Present your salad right away to enjoy the crisp textures and contrasting flavors.

Crisp Butter Leaf Salad With Apple Vinaigrette and Tangy Blue Cheese Recipe Notes

  • Easier Blue Cheese Crumbles
    Popping your cheese in the freezer for half an hour makes it much simpler to break into big, beautiful chunks.
  • Fall in Love with Your Salad
    Add a cozy autumn twist by layering in sweet, ripe persimmons for extra color and seasonal flair.

People Also Ask

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of butter leaf?

Absolutely! While butter leaf delivers a delicate texture and mild flavor, you can swap in bibb lettuce, baby spinach, or even arugula. Just note that each lettuce will bring its own distinct bite or tenderness to the salad, so choose based on your personal preference.

What kind of apple works best in the vinaigrette?

Crisp, tart varieties—such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—are perfect. Their natural acidity complements the blue cheese and adds a refreshing zing that brightens the entire dish. Feel free to experiment with sweeter apples if you prefer a gentler flavor.

How can I make the blue cheese more manageable?

A quick trick is to pop your blue cheese into the freezer for about 30 minutes before crumbling. This firms up the cheese, allowing you to create attractively sized chunks without it turning into a creamy mess.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to blue cheese?

If you’re avoiding animal rennet or simply want a less pungent cheese, go for a vegetarian-friendly blue cheese substitute or a tangy goat cheese. Check labels to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

I’m not a fan of raw shallots—any substitutes?

Mild red onions or pickled onions add a pleasant tang while staying on the sweeter side. You can also caramelize your shallots for a richer flavor that’s still complementary to the crisp greens and bright apple notes.

Do I need to serve the salad immediately, or can I prepare it in advance?

It’s best to dress and serve this salad fresh to preserve its vibrant crunch and flavors. You can, however, prepare the components—like washing and drying the lettuce, mixing the vinaigrette, and chopping shallots—in advance. Wait to combine them until just before serving.

How can I add more of a “fall” vibe without overshadowing the main flavors?

Sweet, seasonal fruits such as sliced persimmons or juicy pears can give the salad a warm autumn feel. Adding toasted pecans or walnuts is another cozy nod to fall that maintains the salad’s delicate balance of flavors.

Gordon Ramsay How to Make a Classic Vinaigrette Video

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