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Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette

Fall Harvest Salad with Warm Maple Bacon Vinaigrette Bliss

Experience the essence of autumn with this Fall Harvest Salad featuring a warm maple bacon vinaigrette, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 units Honeycrisp Apples Feel free to swap for tart Granny Smith.
  • 0.5 cups Dried Cranberries Raisins can work too.
  • 0.5 cups Chopped Pecans Walnuts make for a nice substitution.
  • 0.33 cups Crumbled Blue Cheese Try feta for a lighter option.
  • 4 slices Crispy Bacon Consider turkey bacon for a leaner twist.
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach Mix with arugula for added flavor.
  • 2 cups Butter Lettuce or Romaine Lettuce Any fresh greens based on preference.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 3 tablespoons Reserved Bacon Grease Substitute with olive oil for vegetarian.
  • 0.25 cups Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar is also great.
  • 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup Honey can be used for sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Yellow mustard is a handy alternative.
  • to taste Salt

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • large salad bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Bacon: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel, reserving 3 tbsp of bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a bowl, combine the reserved bacon grease, red wine vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Assemble the Greens and Toppings: In a bowl, layer baby spinach, butter lettuce, diced Honeycrisp apples, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and crumbled blue cheese.
  4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  5. Add the Bacon and Serve: Sprinkle crispy bacon on top and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Ensure bacon is crispy for best texture. Serve immediately for optimal flavor and crunch.

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