Green Leaf Salad With Apples And Bacon

This Apple Salad with Bacon is easy to throw together and delicious! You will want to bring this salad to every get-together, made with crisp, fresh ingredients and a luscious dressing. The combination of sweet apples, savory bacon, and crunchy hazelnuts with a tangy dressing makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 60 g bacon cubes
• 1 red-skinned apple
• 1 organic lemon
• 1 head green oak leaf lettuce
• 1 organic orange
• 2 tbsp. hazelnuts
• 2 tbsp. apple vinegar
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 0.25 tsp. salt
• Pinch of pepper

Directions:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a frying pan, slowly fry the bacon cubes over medium heat without adding any extra fat. Cook until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat.
2. Prepare the Apple: Wash the red-skinned apple thoroughly. Cut the apple into thin strips using a Veggie Sheet Slicer or a sharp knife. Peeling the apple is unnecessary as the skin adds extra texture and nutrients. Juice the lemon and mix the juice with the apple strips to avoid browning and add a zesty flavor.
3. Prepare the Lettuce: Wash the green oak leaf lettuce and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. Hand-tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. This helps maintain the lettuce's delicate texture.
4. Combine the Main Ingredients: Add the lemon-juiced apple strips and the crispy bacon to the bowl with the torn lettuce. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
5. Prepare the Dressing: Zest the organic orange, ensuring you only get the outer colorful layer and not the bitter white pith. Finely chop the hazelnuts and place them in a small mixing bowl. Add the orange zest, apple vinegar, olive oil, salt, and a pinch of pepper. Whisk the dressing ingredients together until well-emulsified and smooth.
6. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad. Toss the salad gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing. This will help to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the salad.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates and serve immediately to enjoy the fresh and crisp textures. This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a standalone dish.

Tips for Success:

• Bacon: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using smoked bacon or pancetta.
• Apples: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a different taste profile.
• Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts briefly in a dry pan before chopping them can enhance their flavor.
• Dressing Variations: If you prefer a creamier dressing, add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a dollop of Greek yogurt to the vinaigrette.

This Apple Salad with Bacon is visually appealing with its vibrant colors and packed with a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your salad repertoire. Enjoy!