I relish this delightful Spinach Apple Bacon Salad that harmonizes tender chicken breasts, crisp mixed greens, and sweet apple pieces in a vibrant medley. Crumbled bacon, toasted walnuts, and creamy feta complete the ensemble. A tangy balsamic vinaigrette ties every note together in this uniquely enticing fall salad masterpiece absolutely.

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I recently experimented with a new twist on a classic salad and its flavor instantly blew me away. I had to share my Apple Feta Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Walnuts with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that brings out the best in every ingredient.

I started with 2 large cooked chicken breasts sliced into strips and tossed them with 4 cups of mixed greens like romaine and spinach. Adding in crunchy diced apples gives it a fresh, crisp bite that reminds me of other tasty spinach apple salad recipes I’ve tried.

The crispy bacon and toasted walnuts add a welcome crunch and the crumbled feta cheese offers a salty balance, while a splash of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey put the whole dish together. Its mix of hearty and fresh flavors really makes it a standout healthy fall salad that i think you’ll love.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe cause it brings together such cool textures and flavors. First off, I like how the crispy bacon adds a crunchy, savory twist to the salad. Also, there’s something about the sweetness and crunch of the diced apples that just work perfectly with the tender chicken. I also dig the toasted walnuts – they give the dish a nice, nutty flavor and extra crunch. And honestly, that balsamic vinaigrette dressing ties everything together with its tangy, sweet kick that makes each bite interesting.

Ingredients

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Chicken breasts are full of protein that helps build muscles and gives a savory taste
Mixed greens supply fiber and vitamins, its a fresh and healthy boost for your meal
Apples bring natural sweetness and fiber, making the salad delightfully crisp and light
Bacon adds a salty crunch and fat that makes the dish extra tasty when mixed well
Walnuts deliver healthy fats and a nutty crunch that enriches the salad flavor
Feta cheese offers a tangy burst and calcium for a rich, satisfying bite
Red onion, if you like, gives a zesty sharp flavor and antioxidants for extra health

Ingredient Quantities

2 large chicken breasts, cooked and sliced

4 cups mixed greens, such as romaine, spinach or arugula

2 apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and diced

4 slices bacon, fried until crispy and crumbled

1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper until well mixed.

2. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl.

3. Add the diced apples and thinly sliced red onion (if using) to the greens.

4. Slice the already cooked chicken breasts into strips and add them to the bowl.

5. Crumble the fried bacon and sprinkle it over the salad.

6. Toss in the toasted, roughly chopped walnuts.

7. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly on top.

8. Drizzle the dressing all over the salad.

9. Gently toss the salad to make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy your Chicken Apple Bacon Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Equipment Needed

1. Small bowl for whisking together the dressing ingredients
2. Whisk to blend the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt and pepper
3. Large salad bowl for mixing all the salad ingredients
4. Knife for dicing apples, slicing red onion and cutting the chicken into strips
5. Cutting board to safely prepare the fruits and veggies
6. Measuring cups and spoons to measure out the vinegar, oil and other dressing parts
7. Tongs or a large spoon for tossing the salad evenly with the dressing

FAQ

Q: Can I use other types of greens besides romaine, spinach or arugula?

A: Sure, ya can use any mixed greens you like. Just make sure they complement the crunch from the apples.

Q: Do I have to use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples?

A: Not really. They give a great balance of sweet and tart, but you can experiment with other apple types if you want.

Q: How should I toast the walnuts?

A: Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they smell nutty and start getting golden. Keep an eye on em, they burn quick.

Q: Can I substitute the bacon if I'm not a fan?

A: Yep, you can leave it out or try a turkey bacon for a leaner option. Your salad will still be tasty.

Q: Is there any way to make the dressing in advance?

A: Absolutely. You can whisk up the balsamic, olive oil, Dijon mustard and honey a few hours ahead, but give it a good stir before drizzling over the salad.

Apple Feta Salad With Chicken, Bacon, And Walnuts Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have chicken breasts, you can use turkey or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead.
Instead of bacon, you might try turkey bacon or even leave it out if you’re looking for a lighter version.
Feta cheese can be swapped out with goat cheese or a bit of blue cheese if that’s what you have.
Walnuts can also be replaced by pecans or even almonds if you want another nutty flavor.
If you’re out of balsamic vinegar, try using red wine vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of extra honey for that sweet tang.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the walnuts until they’re lightly browned before adding them to your salad – this really brings out their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
2. When frying bacon, let it cool on a paper towel so it stays extra crispy, then crumble it evenly. This way it won’t make the salad soggy.
3. For the dressing, mix everything in a small bowl and let it sit for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld together, instead of tossing everything in the salad right away.
4. Use quality mixed greens and try to season your chicken before cooking it. This little step really makes a big difference in the end flavor of your salad.