Avocado and Apple Salad with Golden Balsamic Dressing
When we were in Portland, my step-mom made this salad twice, and it goes fast because everyone loves it so much. I wrote about the dressing 15 years ago on a vacation recap, but I had forgotten the salad ingredients. What to call it? Julie’s Salad? But I’m Julie, and my step-mom is Julie, so it’s confusing. How about Avocado and Apple Salad with Golden Balsamic Dressing. Back in 2010 I couldn’t find golden balsamic vinegar, but now it’s available in some of our fancier stores.
Julie grows her own lettuce and herbs in her garden. I don’t have a garden, so I buy a package of spring greens with herbs.
Avocado and Apple Salad
- Lettuce
- 1 or 2 avocados
- 1 large apple – I use Cosmic Crisp
- Goat cheese or feta – however much you want
- 1/8 cup dried cranberries
- Fresh herbs – chives, oregano, thyme (I added chives, but the lettuce came with herbs)
Golden Balsamic Dressing
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/8 cup golden balsamic vinegar
- 1/8 cup orange juice
- a drizzle of honey
- a small clove garlic, minced
- salt and pepper, to taste
Shake dressing ingredients together (or whisk in the bottom of your salad bowl), then toss with the salad ingredients. Don’t forget the salt and pepper in your dressing like I did. Serve immediately.
PS – Today is my Dad’s birthday, he would have been 82. I love seeing his picture everywhere in their house, and to know that Julie still holds him so close to her heart, even while she has found love again, first with Tom, now with John. She’s had a long life of resilience; her first husband, Bruce, was killed in Vietnam when they were both 21.
20 Comments
AC
How wonderful that Julie still cherishes your dad and that you have a good relationship with her along with a sprinkle of gold.
J
Thanks AC, yes, I’m thankful that we have such a good relationship.
Jenny
Golden balsamic vinegar? I’ve neverheard of it! But this sounds delicious.
How nice that you have this relationship with your step-mom, and that she still has photos of your dad around (of course she does). A resilient lady, indeed.
J
I wonder if golden balsamic vinegar is any different than white…they look pretty close! I guess I could do a vinegar taste test. I was happy to see the golden at the store this time, generally I don’t see it.
Nicole MacPherson
That salad looks delicious!
What a lovely relationship you have with Julie (that must get confusing, name wise!)
J
Yes, there’s Julie and Julie, and then there’s Maya and Maya. And my sister’s ex-husband is John, and Julie’s new beaux is John, which has caught me at least once when discussing things on the phone.
nance
This salad sounds wonderful. I’ve never, ever heard of golden balsamic vinegar. Does it taste like white wine? chardonnay? I’m so intrigued. I’m going to look for it.
Your family history continues to fascinate me, and it is one full of strong women.
J
I hope you find some golden vinegar! The one I found is made in California. In the town my grandma grew up in, actually.
Elisabeth
What a lovely tribute to your dad <3
I've never once heard of golden balsamic vinegar. Somehow I suspect it would not be easy to find in rural Nova Scotia where I life 😉
J
Elisabeth, I suspect you are right!
Margaret
What a beautiful couple! Julie has been through a lot but still knows how to live a happy life. She treasures her loved ones, even if they are absent. That’s a real gift. I would love that salad. Cosmic Crisps are my favorite apples, plus I love goat cheese and feta. Yummy!
J
Margaret, you are absolutely right about Julie! I hope you give the salad a try, it’s delicious.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
What a lovely picture of your dad.
The salad looks really yummy.
J
Thanks Tobia!
PocoBrat
I’m going to try it! Mostly because (please don’t hate me) apple and avocado sounds like an unexpected pairing in terms of texture and flavor to me…
J
LOL, why would I hate you for that? I agree, it’s unexpected, and it’s delicious! I hope you enjoy it.
Lisa’s Yarns
I have also never heard of golden balsamic vinegar! But that salad sounds amazing.
Happy birthday to your dear dad. What a handsome guy. I am glad your step-mom still has pictures up despite finding new love. I really cannot wrap my mind around the losses she has experienced. How brave of her to choose to love again.
J
Thank you Lisa! I’m not sure how (or if) golden balsamic is different than white. It’s a delicious salad nonetheless.
My step-mom is indeed brave, and really does not like being alone. I don’t mean being alone in her house, she is fine with that, but sincerely wants a partner to share her life with. I’m glad that she has the strength to find it again.
StephLove
The salad sounds good.
That’s nice you have a continuing relationship with your stepmother. Mine was out of my life pretty much as soon as my Dad’s memorial service was over. She didn’t even call to tell us about some money we’d inherited. She just let the accountant do it. Fifteen years later, I still send her Christmas cards, but that’s about it.
J
I feel fortunate to have the relationship that we have with my stepmom, too. Perhaps that’s partly because she and my dad were together so long. They were celebrating their 25th anniversary when he died. She told me once that she feels closer to me and my sisters than she does to her own sisters. I’m sorry that your stepmom is not interested in a relationship.