Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

I love finding me a good salad recipe!  Thought I'd throw this one in amidst my seriously indulgent December food posts :)  I would not recommend leaving any ingredients out.  They balance each other very well AND the dressing is seriously super yummy!  So if you need a new potluck dish or a side for a Christmas dinner, this one is easy to put together and is tasty.  Enjoy :)

Apple Pecan Spinach Salad

Yield: About 7 - 8 servings

10 oz baby spinach
3 small gala apples or 2 medium, cored and thinly sliced
1 cup pecans, toasted
4 oz feta cheese, crumbled 
1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
1/2 small red onion, sliced into thin strips (optional)

Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

If using red onion, place slices in a colander and run under warm water for about 10 seconds, tossing once, to remove harsh bite. Drain well.
In a large salad bowl toss together spinach, apples, pecans, feta, cranberries and optional bacon and red onion. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad and toss to evenly coat. Serve immediately after adding dressing.

For the dressing:
Add all ingredients to a medium mason jar. Cover with lid and shake to blend well (or alternately just blend well in a bowl with a whisk).

Recipe Source:  Cooking Classy