Harvest Crunch Apple Bacon Salad

Crispy Bacon Meets Crunchy Apples: A Salad That’s as Sassy as It is Savory

If salads had personalities, this one would be the life of the party — sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of crispy charm. With juicy apples, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of warm bacon-shallot dressing, it’s like autumn invited itself to dinner. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 4 oz center-cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Plus a splash if your pan gets thirsty.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 8 cups lettuce: Any variety works; I’m rocking romaine today.
• 2 large apples: Cored, sliced, and ready to wow.
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds:
• 1/3 cup crumbled blue or goat cheese: Choose your cheesy adventure.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Season like you mean it.

Instructions

1. Whisk It Real Good: Combine apple cider vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Bacon Bliss: Start with a cold skillet and cook that bacon on medium-high until it’s gloriously crispy. Scoop it out and set aside (try not to nibble).
3. Fat of the Land: Keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan. Add olive oil until you reach a quarter cup total.
4. Shallot Sizzle: Toss in those shallots and cook until they soften up, about 3 minutes. Carefully whisk in the vinegar mix, simmer for 2 minutes, and let that dressing work its magic.
5. Dress to Impress: Stir half of the bacon into the dressing and save the rest for sprinkling.
6. Toss & Serve: In a large bowl, mix lettuce, apples, half the dressing, and pumpkin seeds. Top with crumbled cheese, extra dressing, and those crispy bacon bits you didn’t eat (we hope).

Pro Tip:

This salad doubles as a side dish and a personality statement — crispy, sweet, salty, and unforgettable. Just like you. 🍏🥓