Description
A vibrant and flavorful Apple Bacon & Gorgonzola Salad featuring crisp apples, savory bacon, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, and toasted pecans, all tossed in a sweet balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that balances sweet and savory elements with a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 crisp apples, thinly sliced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Sweet Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while continuously whisking until the vinaigrette is well combined and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, thinly sliced apples, crumbled bacon, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted chopped pecans.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared sweet balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy optimal freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for the best balance of sweetness and crunch.
- To prevent apples from browning, lightly toss them in lemon juice before adding to the salad.
- For a lighter variation, substitute turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant for maximum flavor.
