Apple Cheddar Bacon Spinach Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing

This hearty spinach salad is packed with sweet-tart apple slices, smoky bacon, tangy white cheddar, chewy dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts. Tossed in a creamy honey Dijon dressing, it’s a bowlful of delicious contrasts that makes a fresh, satisfying dinner.

Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a tasty, stress-free meal. The combination of flavors and textures will have you coming back for more.

Log in to save recipes and build weekly shopping lists.

Ingredients

4 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 produce. Halve, core and thinly slice the apple.
2. Heat a medium dry nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Using kitchen shears, cut 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 bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate.
3. In a large bowl, combine spinach, apple, bacon, half the cheddar, half the cranberries and half the walnuts. Drizzle with as much dressing as you like and toss to combine. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Divide salad between shallow bowls. Top with remaining cheddar, remaining cranberries and remaining walnuts. Serve.

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 and the apples from browning. You can prep the bacon, walnuts and dressing in advance.

What can I substitute for honey Dijon dressing?

You can use a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard and a touch of honey.

Is this salad gluten-free?

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