Fall Spinach Salad with Warm Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This fall-inspired spinach salad features a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Fresh baby spinach leaves are paired with juicy apples, crunchy cinnamon spiced pecans, bacon, develed eggs and onions. The warm apple cider vinaigrette drizzled over top adds a cozy touch and brings all the flavors together. It's the perfect side dish for any autumn meal or a hearty lunch on its own. Enjoy the seasonal flavors and the healthy boost of nutrients from this tasty fall salad.
Ingredients
- 6 oz (about 8 cups) baby spinach
- 8 oz white button or cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 3 Hard-boiled eggs, thinly sliced or cut into wedges
- 1 Small red onion sliced
- 1 cup Cinnamon sugared Pecans
- 1 Apple diced or sliced
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
Dressing
- 6 Slices bacon
- 1 Shallot minced
- 1 cup Apple Cider
- 2 tsp Spicy brown or whole grain mustard
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Mixed pepper blend
- 1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Place the bacon in a medium nonstick skillet and fry over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. And then chop to add to the salad.
- Pour the bacon fat into a heatproof bowl, then return 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat to the skillet. Add the shallots to the skillet and cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Do not brown.
- Add the cider vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Add the mustard, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce by half.
- Meanwhile, assemble the salads. This can make 2 large salads or 4 small salads
- Once the dressing has reduced by half, remove from the heat and slowly whisk in the oil.
- I like to toss the salad with the hot dressings, allowing it to wilt the spinach. But this salad is also good if you let the dressing cool.
- If you soak the onion in ice water for a few moments, it helps make them crisp and removes the strong, pungent taste.
- All of the salad toppings are optional, and you can substitute pears for apples and add goat cheese.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!