Spinach Salad with Smoked Chicken, Apple, Walnuts, and Bacon

Except I left out the walnuts. And grilled the chicken instead of using a smoked one. And used turkey bacon instead. But it was still great! Chuck likes what he calls "meat salads" for dinner, and I made quite a few of them over the summer. I knew the frequency of these salads would decrease once the weather got cooler so when I saw these fall flavors, I knew it would be perfect for an October dinner!

I will write you the recipe below as I made it for us, but also check out the link with the original ingredients and amounts. I had no clue where I would find smoked chicken, and the grilled was just as good. I used the turkey bacon to feel a little healthier, and when I make this again I will try and find a nice sharp cheddar cheese to add to the salad.

When making this for just the two of us, I assemble the salads individually, but if you were serving this to a crowd, toss everything together and leave for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.

Spinach Salad with Smoked Chicken, Apple, Walnuts, and Bacon
adapted from Food & Wine
Makes 2 servings

6 tablespoons walnuts, chopped (optional)
4 slices turkey bacon
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
scant 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2 1/2 tablespoons good quality extra virgin olive oil
1/2 pound smoked (or grilled) and sliced boneless chicken breast
1/2 of a 6-ounce bag baby spinach, washed and dried
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 small tart apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2 inch pieces

If using walnuts, heat oven to 350 degrees F. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and then chop or crumble.

Whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in small bowl. Whisk in the olive oil.

Combine the spinach, walnuts, bacon, onion, apple, and chicken in individual serving bowls. Toss with desired amount of dressing and serve immediately.