Curried Lentil Salad with Rockit™ Apples, Cranberries & Goat Cheese

Curried Lentil Salad with Rockit™ Apples, Cranberries & Goat Cheese Rockit Apples' naturally miniature size makes them perfect for recipes where you want the fresh crunch and sweetness of apple without committing to a full-sized fruit. Whether you prefer a more apple-forward salad or just a...

Curried Lentil Salad with Rockit™ Apples, Cranberries & Goat Cheese

Rockit Apples’ naturally miniature size makes them perfect for recipes where you want the fresh crunch and sweetness of apple without committing to a full-sized fruit. Whether you prefer a more apple-forward salad or just a subtle touch of sweetness, Rockit Apples make it easy to customize the flavor by adding one or two more apples as desired. Their crisp texture pairs beautifully with earthy lentils, tart cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and warm curry spices, creating a colorful salad that is ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, and seasonal gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dry green or French lentils
• 6 cups water
• 3–4 Rockit™ Apples, diced
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• ¾ cup toasted pecans or walnuts (optional)
• 5 oz goat cheese, crumbled or dolloped
• ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mint

Dressing: Curried Honey Vinaigrette

• ⅓ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lemon

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and place them in a pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for approximately 15 minutes, until tender but still holding their shape. Drain and allow to cool on a sheet pan.
2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, curry powder, Dijon mustard, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled lentils, diced Rockit™ Apples, cranberries, red onion, celery, pecans or walnuts, parsley, mint, and crumbled goat cheese.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the top. Gently toss until everything is evenly combined.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Tip:

For a more apple-forward salad, add 1–2 extra Rockit Apples. This salad holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dish for entertaining.

Recipe By: Val Musser

Rockit™ Apple Cake Pop Bouquet

Rockit Apple Cake Pop Bouquet: Rockit apples are the perfect star ingredient for this charming Mother's Day dessert bouquet. Their naturally petite size makes them ideal for creating an edible arrangement that feels playful, elegant, and easy to enjoy. These crisp little apples bring a sweet,...

Rockit Apple Cake Pop Bouquet:

Rockit apples are the perfect star ingredient for this charming Mother’s Day dessert bouquet. Their naturally petite size makes them ideal for creating an edible arrangement that feels playful, elegant, and easy to enjoy. These crisp little apples bring a sweet, juicy flavor with just the right balance of tartness, adding freshness and texture to every bite of the cake pops while also doubling as a beautiful decorative element throughout the bouquet. Whether tucked between colorful cake pops or displayed proudly on skewers, Rockit apples turn this treat into a vibrant centerpiece that feels both whimsical and thoughtful.

• 1 plain store-bought vanilla cake OR 1 single-layer homemade vanilla cake
• 1 cup vanilla frosting (store-bought or homemade)
• 1–2 Rockit apples, diced
• Pink or white melting wafers
• Sprinkles in Mom’s favorite colors
• Short skewers or cake pop sticks for cake pops
• Long skewers for the Rockit apples
• 1 small vibrant bouquet arrangement or bouquet wrap for assembling

 
Instructions:

1. Bake the homemade cake according to your favorite vanilla cake recipe, or use a plain store-bought vanilla cake. Allow the cake to cool completely.
2. Crumble the cooled cake into a large mixing bowl until fine crumbs form.
3. Fold in the vanilla frosting and diced Rockit apples. Mix until the mixture holds together when pressed.
4. Roll the mixture into evenly sized cake balls and place onto a parchment-lined tray. Chill for 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the melting wafers according to the package directions using a microwave, water bath method, or wafer melter.
6. Dip the tip of each cake pop stick into the melted wafers before inserting into the cake balls. This helps secure the stick and prevents the cake pops from falling apart while dipping.
7. Dip each cake pop into the melted coating and gently tap away excess coating.
8. Decorate immediately with sprinkles before the coating sets.
9. Insert long skewers into the bottoms of the apples.
10. Arrange the cake pops and skewered Rockit apples together into a small bouquet arrangement or wrap them bouquet-style for gifting.
11. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

 
Serving Tip:

Tie the bouquet with ribbon or tuck in a card for an extra festive Mother’s Day presentation. The combination of colorful cake pops and fresh Rockit apples creates a sweet gift that looks just as beautiful as it tastes.

Recipe By: Val Musser