Spinach Salad with Nuts, Apples, Feta and Bacon

Delicious!  (I didn’t make the sugared nuts since we are trying to eat better, I just threw the pecans in but I bet the sugared ones are also delicious!)

salad

16 oz baby spinach

1/2 small red onion, slivered

1/2 cup crumbled bacon

1 cup Feta cheese

1 cup craisins

1 – 2 apples, cored and sliced

Sweet Spicy Nuts

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1/3 cup sugar

pinch of cayenne

pinch of salt

Red Wine Vinaigrette

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 clove garlic, pressed

1 -2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1  For the salad, layer all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

2  For the nuts, lightly toast nuts in 350 degree oven for 8 – 10 minutes.  Place sugar, cayenne, and salt in skillet over medium low heat.  Cook until it liquifies completely, don’t allow it to bubble and burn.  Toss in the toasted nuts and stir to coat nuts with sugar.  Allow to cool.

3  For the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined.

4  To server salad, sprinkle salad with nuts and toss.  Drizzle with dressing and toss again.

recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe