Nothing starts off a dinner party better than a crowd-pleasing salad.

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or other white wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 5-ounce bag mixed baby greens (about 10 cups lightly packed)
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, cut into matchsticks
1/2 cup dried tart cherries (use cranberries as second option)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
crumbles of your favorite cheese (such as goat), optional

Whisk mayonnaise, maple syrup, vinegar, and sugar in bowl to blend. Gradually whisk in oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Dressing can be prepared the day before and refrigerated. Shake before using).

Toss greens, apples, cherries, and 1/4 cup walnuts in large bowl to combine. Toss with enough dressing to coat. Divide salad equally among plates. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup walnuts (and cheese, if using) and serve.