Candied Walnut, Bacon & Goat Cheese Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Salads can be totally underrated if they are done right. And if done right, they are actually one of my favorite things to eat. Mostly because they come together quickly and can make a fast, healthy meal. The key to a good salad isn’t the lettuce, but what accompanies the lettuce. It’s all about the toppings.

Here’s a simple way to build a salad that works every time:

• Choose a green. Mixed greens, arugula and romaine are my favorites.
• Add a protein. Eggs, beef, chicken, bacon, tuna or salmon are good options.
• Choose a sweet component. Corn or sweet bell peppers work for the summer. Apples, dried cranberries or candied nuts for the fall/winter months.
• Add something for crunch. It could be nuts and seeds, cucumbers or carrots, maybe croutons.
• Add cheese for saltiness. 
• Add a dressing. Creamy or vinegar-based depending on the season and the heaviness of the other ingredients. 

This salad has a great combination of fall flavors. The candied walnuts sprinkled with cinnamon. The smoky bacon bits. The creamy goat cheese and dried cranberries. And last but not least, the maple dijon dressing. This dressing is so good I could drink it by the spoonful.

Kitchen essentials for this candied walnut, bacon & goat cheese salad

• A rimmed baking sheet 
• A chef’s knife and cutting board
• A small saucepan
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Paper towels
• Parchment paper
• A small mixing bowl or mason jar for the dressing
• A large serving bowl

Products I love

• Salt. I use Jacobsen Salt Co. or Icelandic Saltverk for a flaky salt. Both of these brands have been tested by Tamara Rubin for low levels of lead.
• Bacon: I use North Country Smokehouse. This is a company local to me and their products are great, especially their smoked bacon.
• Large rimmed baking sheets. These are big, heavy duty, and hold up well over time.
• My saucepans are from Made In and I absolutely love them.

Substitutions

• Soft goat cheese: can be substituted for other soft cheese like burrata, mozzarella or feta.
• Spring mix greens: can be substituted for arugula.
• Walnuts: can be substituted for pecans.
• Apple cider vinegar: can be substituted for white vinegar.
• Pure maple syrup: can be substituted for honey.