Many recipes I share are new experiments, while others are longtime favorites. This Apple Bacon Spinach Salad is one I’ve returned to again and again — simple, fresh, and reliably delicious.
It starts with crisp apples and baby spinach, then adds savory bacon, crunchy toasted pecans (or candied if you prefer), and tangy cheese — feta, gorgonzola, or even cheddar all work well. A few thin slices of red onion add bite, and you can finish it with a bright vinaigrette like apple cider or balsamic.
This salad is easy to customize, so feel free to add any extras you like from the suggestions below. It’s quick to make and perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or a simple weeknight meal. Enjoy!
Apple Bacon Spinach Salad
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Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach, well-washed and dried
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and diced
- 2 apples, chopped
- quarter of a red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans (or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (or gorgonzola, or cheddar)
- apple cider vinaigrette, or balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
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Toss the baby spinach, chopped apples, diced bacon, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pecans, and crumbled cheese together. Drizzle with apple cider vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Additional Info
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!Ali’s Tip:
I often tweak this salad by adding or substituting ingredients depending on what I have on hand. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips for added protein
- Roasted or dried apples in place of fresh for a deeper, sweeter flavor
- Dried cranberries or cherries for a tart-sweet contrast
- Other greens such as romaine or arugula for a different texture
- Turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to regular bacon
- Sliced cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness
- Sliced or cubed roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier salad