Bacon Apple Cheddar Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

This isn’t your average side salad-it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings together a wonderful mix of flavors and textures. Tender fresh spinach is paired with crisp apple slices, smoky bacon, sharp white cheddar, chewy dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all coated in a creamy honey Dijon dressing.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. The combination of sweet, savory, tangy and nutty elements makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or dressing.

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Ingredients

8 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 ounce WalnutsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Granny Smith AppleView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 ounce SpinachView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup White Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 ounce Honey Dijon DressingView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 ounce Dried CranberriesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the produce. Halve the apple, remove the core and thinly slice it.
2. Heat a medium dry nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Using kitchen shears, cut the bacon into bite-size pieces directly into the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting heat if browning too quickly, until crispy, 4-6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, bacon, half of the cheddar, half of the cranberries and half of the walnuts. Add as much honey Dijon dressing as you like and toss to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Divide the salad between shallow bowls. Top with the remaining cheddar, remaining cranberries and remaining walnuts. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp. However, you can cook the bacon and chop the apple in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and toss everything together when ready.

What can I use instead of honey Dijon dressing?

You can substitute with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey and Dijon mustard. Or use your favorite store-bought dressing.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on your bacon and dressing to ensure they are gluten-free.