ENDIVE, APPLE, AND CELERY SALAD WITH SMOKED ALMONDS AND CHEDDAR

Endive, Apple, and Celery Salad with Smoked Almonds and Cheddar image

Provided by Mindy Fox

Yield 8-10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Champagne or white wine vinegar
2 Honeycrisp apples, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons whole-grain Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8 medium endives (about 1 3/4 pounds), cut on the bias into 1/2"-thick slices, cores thinly sliced
1 head of celery, leaves removed and reserved, stalks very thinly sliced on the bias
1/2 pound aged sharp cheddar, shaved on the slicing blade of a box grater
3/4 cup coarsely chopped salted, smoked almonds, divided
Flaky sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup (1") chives

Steps:

Combine 1 Tbsp. vinegar and 3 cups cold water in a medium bowl. Add apple slices and let soak.
Meanwhile, whisk mustard, kosher salt, and remaining 1/4 cup vinegar in a medium bowl, then whisk in oil in a slow, steady stream.
Drain and pat apple slices dry. Combine apple slices, endives, celery stalks, cheese, and half of the almonds in a large bowl.
Drizzle dressing over salad. Gently toss until salad is evenly dressed, then season with sea salt and pepper. Top with chives, celery leaves, and remaining almonds.