Get ready to transform your ordinary salad into a gourmet masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance! This Apple Walnut Salad with Bacon Gorgonzola is not just a dish; it's a culinary adventure that combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Imagine crisp mixed greens adorned with caramelized walnuts, juicy apple slices, crumbled bacon, and creamy gorgonzola - all drizzled with a luscious balsamic vinaigrette. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing the mixed greens thoroughly and spinning or patting them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-6 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and allow to cool.
- Core and thinly slice the apple into uniform pieces, preferably using a sharp knife to maintain consistent thickness.
- Crumble the cooled bacon into small, bite-sized pieces using your hands or a knife.
- In a large salad bowl, spread the mixed greens as a base layer, creating an even foundation for the remaining ingredients.
- Artfully arrange the apple slices across the greens, distributing them evenly.
- Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad, followed by the crumbled gorgonzola cheese.
- Add the crumbled bacon on top of the other ingredients.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over the salad, ensuring all components are lightly coated.
- Gently toss the salad to mix ingredients without bruising the greens, and serve immediately to maintain crisp textures.
Tips
- Always toast your nuts slowly and watch carefully to prevent burning - the aroma is your best indicator of perfect toasting.
- Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness.
- Choose a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad crisp and cool.
- Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the greens' crunchiness and prevent wilting.
- For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon or omit bacon entirely for a vegetarian option.
- If possible, use freshly crumbled gorgonzola instead of pre-packaged for a more vibrant flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 30mg
