Description
This Fall Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette is a vibrant and cozy autumn dish featuring fresh mixed greens, tangy dried cranberries, smoky turkey bacon, creamy shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and crunchy walnuts. Tossed in a naturally sweet and tangy cranberry vinaigrette dressing, it’s perfect as a light lunch or a colorful, flavorful side salad that celebrates the best flavors of fall.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Fresh mixed greens: 4 cups
- Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup
- Smoked turkey bacon: 6 slices
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal): 1/2 cup
- Chopped walnuts: 1/3 cup
Cranberry Vinaigrette Dressing
- Apple cider vinegar: 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Honey or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
- Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the cranberry vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss fresh mixed greens with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces.
- Dress the salad: Pour the cranberry vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients without bruising the greens.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to plates or a large serving bowl and enjoy the fresh, bright flavors right away for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Prep smoked turkey bacon ahead and reheat briefly before serving to keep it crispy.
- Adjust vinaigrette consistency with a splash of water or more olive oil if needed.
- Toss salad with dressing just before serving to prevent greens from wilting.
- Lightly toast walnuts to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Use fresh, crisp greens for the best texture and appearance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: fall salad, cranberry vinaigrette, smoked turkey bacon salad, autumn salad, seasonal salad, gluten free salad
