Making a Pear & Spinach Salad with Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette is a delicious choice! Here’s how you can prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- Baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
- Ripe pears, thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Candied pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
For the Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette:
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined.
- Add the crispy bacon bits to the dressing and stir to incorporate. Set aside.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach leaves with the thinly sliced pears.
- If using, add thinly sliced red onions, candied pecans or walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese.
- Dress the Salad:
- Give the vinaigrette a quick stir to ensure everything is combined, then drizzle it over the salad mixture.
- Toss gently to coat the salad evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to overdress; you can always add more dressing as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately as a side dish or as a light main course.
- Garnish with additional toppings like more bacon bits or cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Candied Nuts: To make candied nuts, simply toss nuts (pecans or walnuts work well) with a little maple syrup and toast them in the oven until caramelized and crunchy.
- Variations: Feel free to customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Storage: If preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to keep the spinach crisp.
Enjoy your delicious Pear & Spinach Salad with Maple-Bacon Vinaigrette!
