Detroit adds a seasonal Michigan salad to MLive Thanksgiving menu

Video: MLive Thanksgiving Menu 2014 -- Detroit's Michigan Salad The MLive Detroit hub contributes the MLive's 2014 Thanksgiving Menu with a sweet and tart Michigan Salad

DETROIT, MI - On Thanksgiving, the salad might often be overlooked in favor of slices of roasted Turkey, mounds of mashed potatoes or any kind of pie, but MLive Detroit has a little bit of green for MLive's 2014 Thanksgiving Menu.

Marilyn Thibodeau, my cousin, submitted her recipe for her seasonal Michigan Salad along with the homemade dressing that always helps give Thanksgiving a fresh, sweet, tart kick-off.

There are some Michigan roots to the appetizer, too, as the dressing's key ingredient is pure Michigan maple syrup.

Here's how you can wow your guests with a salad that could compete with other, bigger dishes on Thanksgiving:

A Michigan Salad with homemade Michigan Maple Syrup Dressing

The Michigan Salad

  • 1 large bag of chopped romaine or butter lettuce
  • 1/2 a cup of dried cherries
  • 2 Granny Smith Apples, cored and chopped
  • 4 - 5 ounces of crumbled blue cheese
  • 1/2 a cup of whole or chopped pecans

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, dried cherries, chopped apples and blue cheese. You can either mix the salad beforehand, or leave all of the mix-ins on top. Leave out the pecans until immediately before serving so that they don't become soggy once the dressing is poured over top.

Maple Syrup Dressing

  • 1/2 a cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/3 a cup of pure Michigan maple syrup
  • 1/4 a cup of white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1/2 a cup of vegetable oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

In a blender, combine the mayonnaise, maple syrup, white wine vinegar and sugar, and blend until fully incorporated. Pour in the vegetable oil while mixing. The dressing should be on the thinner side, but taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking.

Leave the dressing off to the side so that your guests can pour it onto the salad themselves, or pour it onto the entire salad and mix it in with the pecans.

The salad combines fall flavors with some Michigan flair for a light start to a big meal.

Ian Thibodeau is the entertainment and business reporter for MLive Detroit. He can be reached at ithibode@mlive.com, or follow him on Twitter.

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