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

By BobD

Celebrate autumn's apple season with this delicious and satisfying salad. We call for the thick-sliced smoked chicken now available in the meat department of supermarkets. Of course, you can always use smoked turkey from the deli counter instead. If you like a more pronounced sweet-and-sour flavor, use another teaspoon of vinegar.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced bacon
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup cooking oil
• 2/3 pound smoked and sliced boneless chicken breast
• 1 pound spinach, stems removed, leaves washed (about 9 cups)
• 1 small red onion, chopped fine
• 1 tart apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Preparation

Step 1

Heat the oven to 350°. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.

In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.

In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil.

In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the dressing with the chicken. Let sit for about 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the dressing. Add the walnuts, bacon, spinach, onion, apple, and the remaining dressing and toss.