Fuji Apple, Caramelized Onion and Crispy Bacon Arugula Salad

My sister always says that I make really good salads and I always shrug my shoulders and say, “Whatever! It’s just a salad.” But sometimes a really good salad is hard to come by. Some are just too traditional, others just run of the mill—lacking balance, flavor and texture and just haphazardly putting vegetables together with some dressing. I say this vision of salad must be changed so we are more comfortable eating things that we desperately need in our diets such as leafy greens, fruits, bright colored vegetables and balanced fats. I know bacon isn’t healthy—you could definitely omit the bacon— but the idea of this added lusciousness from just one piece of bacon adds depth of flavor and heartiness to this delicious salad. Avocado and sliced fuji apples give this salad great balance of creamy and sweet notes accompanied by the simple white balsamic vinaigrette that dresses the salad. I hope you find balance in your own ways to eat the vegetables and fruits our bodies so desperately need.

1 ½ cups arugula, washed and dried

½ cup baby spinach, washed and dried

¼ red onion, thinly sliced

1 slice bacon, small dice

½ fuji apple, cored and thinly sliced

½ avocado, small dice

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Black pepper

Salt

In a small non-stick sauté pan, place 1 tablespoon olive oil in pan and cook diced bacon over medium til crisp, about 4 minutes. Take bacon out of the oil and set on a paper towel to drain.  Using the oil in the pan, place the red onions to cook till tender, about 6-8 minutes on medium heat. Take out of the pan and drain excess grease on paper towel.

In a small bowl, mix together white balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard, combine well. Add a pinch of salt and a little black pepper.

In a larger bowl, add arugula, spinach, avocado and apples together, then toss with vinaigrette adding a little at a time and tasting for your preference of dressing. Adjust seasoning to your liking. Plate on a small platter and sprinkle over the top crispy bacon and onions. Add a couple of slices of apple and enjoy.

cheers

-Unrivaledkitch