Whether it's a picnic at the park or a book club potluck, our friend Ting loves making this tangy apple salad -- and her friends love eating it. This recipe goes great with everything from cheese and crackers to chicken, pork chops, or salmon. Serve by itself, or over an iceberg lettuce for a more salad-like side dish.

Note: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, try it with a different crumbly cheese such as feta.

Ting's Perfect Picnic Apple Salad

Makes 6 servings

4 large Fuji apples 3/4 c blue cheese, crumbled 1/2 c champagne vinegrette 1/2 c candied walnuts 1/2 c dried cranberries iceberg lettuce (optional)

Julienne apples, either by hand or with a mandolin. Mix apples with blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, and cranberries. Pour vinegrette over salad and toss. Serve as-is, or over a few leaves of iceberg lettuce.