Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

I've been wanting to make this salad for a long time because it looks so flavorful and delicious without being too bad for you. I finally had all the ingredients on hand and decided to make it and I am so glad I did. I loved the flavor of the vinaigrette with the spinach and the crunchy apples and bacon bits gave this salad a great texture. We all loved it and gobbled up every last bite.

Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette:

Adapted recipe and photos by For the Love of Cooking.net

Original recipe from Myrecipes.com ~ Cooking Light, March 2008

• 1/4 cup of real maple syrup
• 1 tbsp minced shallots
• 2 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 red onion, sliced very thin
• 1/2 cup Braeburn apple, chopped
• 4 slices of lean bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 10 oz of fresh baby spinach

Combine the syrup, shallots, vinegar, oil, mustard, sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, and garlic together in a bowl. Whisk until well blended then set aside for flavors to mingle.

Place the spinach, mushrooms, onion, apple, and bacon in a large bowl and drizzle with the vinaigrette. Toss to coat evenly then serve immediately. Enjoy.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe - For the Love of Cooking.net