Description
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of autumn with this Fall Salad featuring crisp mixed greens, smoky turkey bacon, dried cranberries, and a tangy cranberry vinaigrette. This refreshing salad combines seasonal ingredients with a balanced mix of textures and tastes, perfect as a nutritious and colorful side or light main dish during the cozy fall months.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Cranberry Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Vinaigrette: Combine fresh or thawed frozen cranberries, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and chop into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Toss lightly to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Add Smoked Turkey Bacon and Dressing: Sprinkle the smoked turkey bacon pieces over the salad. Drizzle the cranberry vinaigrette on top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the best freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use crisp, fresh greens and fresh cranberries to maximize flavor.
- Adjust sweetness of the vinaigrette by varying honey or maple syrup to your taste.
- Make the cranberry vinaigrette a day ahead to deepen the flavor.
- Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising greens or clumping cheese.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon to a perfect crisp for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: fall salad, cranberry vinaigrette, smoked turkey bacon salad, autumn salad, healthy salad, gluten free salad, seasonal salad