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+ servings

Crunchy Apple and Bacon Salad with Candied Pecans

A salad with crispy, sweet, and tart apples, creamy feta, the subtle, sweet bite of shallot slices, salty, crisp bacon, the sweet crunch of candied pecans all sprinkled over a bed of fresh spring mix and drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a perfectly balanced, palate pleasing combination.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crunchy Apple and Bacon Salad with Candies Pecans
Servings: 6
Calories: 432kcal

Ingredients

Salad

  • 6 oz spring mix or baby lettuces
  • 1/4 pound bacon cut into thin strips
  • 3/4 cup pecans halves or chopped
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 apple cut into slices
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 shallot skin removed and cut into thin slices
  • 4 oz feta crumbles

Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove finely minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon until crisp.
  • Heat 1/4 cup sugar in a medium sized sauce pan on a medium high heat.   
  • Do not stir but keep a close watch on it.
  • You can shake the pan gently to redistribute the melting sugar, but again, don't stir.
  • When the sugar reaches the right temperature, it will start to melt and turn a golden color.
  • When all of the sugar is melted, quickly stir the pecan into the caramel/melted sugar and turn off the heat.
  • Do not leave the pecans in the pan too long, as they can burn quickly.
  • Spread the caramel covered pecans on a sheet of parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray to cool.
  • Cut the apple into slices and toss with lemon juice.
  • Remove the skin from the shallot and slice thinly.
  • To make the Balsamic Vinaigrette, add the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper and whisk until emulsified and sugar is dissolved.
  • Assemble salad ingredients and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Nutrition

Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 555mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 2.2mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 0.9mg