Spinach-Apple Salad with Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette

A Tasty and Healthy Salad

Hello!  Long time no post.  This past weekend I was in Chicago for a volleyball tournament with my club team.  I had a nice time with my team and relatives but didn't get the chance to post this wonderful salad that I made the weekend before.  This delicious and beautiful salad is perfect for the summer or on a hot, Autumn day, but I wanted to share it with you all now instead.  This is one of my absolute favorites and it's really hard to describe the sensational flavor without just trying some yourself.  The apple mixed with the bacon and maple syrup gives it a fresh and savory taste, as well as some nice crunch.  It's super quick to make {all you really have to do is mix it all up} and presents well with the vibrant colors from the apple and optional tomatoes.  

Try this out in the summer for a get together and impress all your friends and neighbors! :)

Ingredients:

2 tbsp maple syrup {tastes better if real, not imitation!}

2 tsp red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp dijon mustard

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp chives {optional}

about 1/3 of a cherry tomatoes container {again, optional}

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

4 slices bacon, cooked & cut

1 large granny smith apple

1/2 cup red onion, sliced thin

10-12 oz of fresh baby spinach 

How to:

Combine the syrup, vinegar and mustard and whisk well.  Add oil, whisk, then add the chives, salt, pepper and bacon.  Slice the apple then add the vinaigrette to the apple and onion {doing this will help keep the apple a bright green}.  Toss with the spinach and cherry tomatoes & enjoy!

note: serves about 8

Happy cooking!

xo