Apple Pecan and Bacon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
User Reviews
5
Apple Pecan and Bacon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
Description
The Apple Pecan and Bacon Salad with Maple Vinaigrette Dressing features a base of green leaf lettuce and arugula topped with thinly sliced apple, dried cranberries, crispy bacon bits, and cinnamon-sprinkled candied pecans. The pecans are toasted and coated with sugar and cinnamon to add a sweet crunch. The maple vinaigrette dressing brings the salad together with a harmonious blend of olive oil, pure maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of orange juice. Preparing the dressing involves shaking the ingredients in a jar to combine immediately before serving or just prior. This salad delivers a blend of savory, sweet, and tart flavors, alongside varied textures from the tender lettuce to the crunchy nuts and bacon pieces, making it a satisfying and fresh dish to include alongside meals or enjoy on its own.
The choice of bright red apples such as Gala or Fuji enhances the crisp texture and adds vibrant color. Bacon bits provide smoky notes without extra preparation time, offering convenience. The cinnamon in the pecans adds warm spice notes that complement the fruit and bacon. This salad is best served freshly tossed with the vinaigrette to maintain crisp lettuce and toppings.
A few tips improve results: warming and crisping the bacon bits briefly in the microwave enhances their texture and flavor. Use real pure maple syrup rather than syrup substitutes for a genuine, balanced sweetness in the dressing. This salad comes together quickly and is especially suitable for times when you want a flavorful side with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 6 cups lettuce I used green leaf lettuce and arugula
- 1 cup pecan halves
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup Bacon see note for my time-saving tip!, chopped pieces
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 apple thinly sliced and halves cut crosswise or chopped
Maple Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup see note
- 5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice or 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or 1/8 teaspoon finely ground black pepper, coarsely cracked
Instructions
- First, prepare the candied pecans. In a small skillet, toast pecans for 1 minute over medium-high eat. Add sugar and stir constantly until sugar dissolves. Sprinkle cinnamon over pecans and stir until pecans are sugar-coated. Immediately transfer to a sheet of parchment or a heat-resistant plate to cool slightly.
- Prepare salad by arranging lettuce on a platter. Top with apples, cranberries, pecans, and bacon.
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake vigorously to combine. Pour over salad immediately if serving right away, or wait until just before serving (shake well just before pouring over salad).
Notes
- Use bacon bits warmed in the microwave for best texture without cooking raw bacon.
- Choose bright red apples like Gala or Fuji for crispness and flavor.
- Use pure maple syrup, not flavored syrup, in the vinaigrette for best taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 300 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 300kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 21g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Sodium | 400mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 189mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 20g | 40% |
| Vitamin A | 287IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 46mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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