Apple, Cheddar and Bacon Salad with Dijon-Maple Vinaigrette

Sometimes you just need some greens and I love buying fresh, locally grown lettuce. This salad is the perfect blend of sweet, salty and nutty and a great way to celebrate fall flavors. This will definitely be a salad we keep on repeat at our house. Serve this as a main dish or as a side salad with a protein and grain (like brown rice or farro).

1. Place salad greens on a large serving platter.

2. Top the greens with apple, cheddar, bacon and almonds.

3. In a small bowl, combine vinaigrette ingredients.

4. Transfer salad to serving dishes and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Apple, Cheddar and Bacon Salad with Dijon-Maple Vinaigrette

Serves 4 (as a main dish) or 6 (as a side dish)

All you need:

8 cups mixed salad greens (I used two 4.5 ounce tubs)

1 Honeycrisp apple, diced

2 ounces white cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes

3 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped

1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Vinaigrette –

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

All you do:

1. Place salad greens on a large serving platter.
2. Top the greens with apple, cheddar, bacon and almonds.
3. In a small bowl, combine vinaigrette ingredients.
4. Transfer salad to serving dishes and drizzle with vinaigrette.