A Most AMAZING Fall Salad

Oh...my...gosh. This salad is SO amazingly delicious. After inhaling it furiously, I considered licking the bowl. Yes, it is that good.

A little history: I had stopped into Whole Foods yesterday and was hanging out at the deli meat counter when I saw they were selling a cider-brined turkey breast. Intriguing.

Then I see a recipe for "Fall Harvest Salad" using said Cider-Brined Turkey Breast. SOLD!

Would this salad still be absolutely fantastic without the cider-brined turkey? Yes. Definitely. But if you happen to have a Whole Foods near you and need an excuse to pop in, here is your excuse. You can thank me later. ;)

I won't keep you in suspense any longer:

Fall Harvest Salad

Serves 4-6

Salad:

• 4 slices of bacon, sliced
• 6 cups baby spinach leaves or greens of your choice
• 8 slices Applegate Cider-Brined Turkey Breast or Turkey Breast of your choice, cut into strips
• 4 slices of aged Cheddar Cheese, cut into squares (I used mild Tillamook Cheddar)
• 1 medium apple, cored and sliced thinly
• 1 cup pecans (or Trader Joe's dry roasted pecan pieces)

Dressing:

•  1 shallot, minced
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp. apple cider
• 1 Tbsp. bacon drippings
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Let cool on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings. For dressing: add shallot, vinegar, cider, drippings, Dijon and honey to a small bowl. Slowly whisk the olive oil (or blend it with an immersion blender). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add spinach or other greens to a large bowl. Add bacon, turkey, cheese, apple and pecans and toss with dressing.

Source: Whole Foods Market and Applegate Farms