Apple, Dried Cherry, and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing

Source: Bon Appétit, September 2002 - recipe by the Mountain Town Station Brewing Company & Steakhouse, Mount Pleasant, MI

adapted by http://theresalwaysthyme.blogspot.com/

For the Maple Dressing:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil

For Salad:

1 bag baby spinach (or any mixed greens)

2 Fuji apples, peeled, cored, cut into matchstick-size strips (use any apple you like)

1/2 cup dried cherries (tart or sweet)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (or not)

For dressing:

Whisk mayonnaise, maple syrup, and vinegar in a medium bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil until mixture thickens slightly. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Or put all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake it really, really well! (Dressing can be prepared 3 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Shake jar or whisk again before using.)

For salad:

Toss spinach, apples, cherries, and walnuts in large bowl to combine. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Divide salad equally among plates.