Maple bacon and apple salad
This Maple Bacon and Apple Salad features crispy bacon caramelized in maple syrup, balanced with fresh apples and mixed greens. It's a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a light lunch or elegant starter.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
6 bacon strips1/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups mixed greens (or salad mix)
2 apples
1 onion
1/3 cup pecans
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp mustard
This Maple Bacon and Apple Salad is a perfect blend of crispy bacon, sweet maple syrup, and refreshing apples combined with mixed greens and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or an elegant starter, this recipe offers a delicious medley of flavors and textures that will impress your taste buds.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Remove from the oven and place the bacon strips on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add the cooked bacon pieces and 1/3 cup maple syrup.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is well coated and the syrup is slightly reduced, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
- While the bacon cools, rinse the mixed greens thoroughly under cold water; pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Core and dice the apples. You can leave the skin on for extra color and fiber.
- Peel and thinly slice the onion.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans until they are fragrant and slightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Shake the skillet occasionally to avoid burning. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tsp mustard until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, onion, and toasted pecans.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Top the salad with the caramelized maple bacon pieces.
- Serve the salad immediately. Enjoy your delightful Maple Bacon and Apple Salad!
The marriage of sweet and savory elements in this Maple Bacon and Apple Salad makes it a standout dish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a meal at home, this salad is sure to please and become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Maple bacon and apple salad FAQ:
You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon, pancetta, or a plant-based bacon alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times as needed for different products.
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to store the dressing separately to prevent the greens from wilting.
Crispy, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work well for this salad, providing a nice contrast to the savory bacon.
Bake the bacon strips for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.
Yes, you can prepare the dressing up to a week in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake before using.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin apple and onion slices.
- Make the dressing in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas for a protein boost.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 200kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 10g
Fiber 2.34g
Sugar 7g
Fat 18g
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