Apple Bacon Pecan Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

This autumnal salad with bacon vinaigrette is a delightful mix of fresh apples, crispy bacon, and glazed pecans, all drizzled with a homemade bacon vinaigrette for a sweet and savory salad no one can resist!

Imagine crisp apple slices mingling with crunchy pecans and savory bacon bits, all tossed together in a bed of fresh greens.

The real star of the show, though, is the bacon vinaigrette. This dressing is a game-changer, combining the smoky richness of bacon with a tangy twist that perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples and the nuttiness of the pecans.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something impressive for a potluck, this salad is perfect!

Why I love this recipe

• the combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors hits all the right notes
• from the crispy apples to the creamy goat cheese, every bite offers a delightful contrast
• it’s impressive enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal

I also recommend trying our Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad and Mediterranean Chickpea Salad; they are both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients

Salad:

• spring mix
• cooked quinoa
• bacon
• honeycrisp apples
• goat cheese
• glazed pecans
• dried cranberries

Bacon Vinaigrette:

• reserved bacon grease
• red wine vinegar
• dijon mustard
• maple syrup
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Step by step

1. Cook quinoa according to the package and fry bacon slices in a pan.
2. Meanwhile, chop the apples into bite size pieces.
3. Once cooked, place bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel to absorb the excess grease, reserving the grease in the pan for the vinaigrette.
4. To make the dressing, add all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Add all salad ingredients to a bowl and toss to mix. Add dressing and toss again to coat.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations

Try adding grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein.

Swap out the goat cheese for feta cheese, gorgonzola cheese, or blue cheese. You could also add some fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.

Use romaine lettuce or baby spinach instead of spring mix.

Serving suggestions

Apple bacon pecan salad with bacon vinaigrette is versatile and can be paired with various dishes:

• serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner
• pair it with a crusty pretzel bread or a bowl of soup like our broccoli cheese soup for a more filling meal
• it also makes a great side dish for grilled chicken or salmon

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad can stay fresh for up to two days, while the vinaigrette will last up to a week.

To reheat the vinaigrette, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds and give it a good shake before serving again.

To reheat the bacon, microwave slightly before adding it back to the salad to keep it crispy.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!

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