Spinach Salad with Smoked Chicken, Apple, Walnuts, and Bacon

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/4 pound sliced bacon
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup cooking oil
• 2/3 pound smoked and sliced boneless chicken breast
• 1 pound spinach, stems removed, leaves washed (about 9 cups)
• 1 small red onion, chopped fine
• 1 tart apple, such as Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Preparation

1. 1. Heat the oven to 350°. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.
2. 2. In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.
3. 3. In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the dressing with the chicken. Let sit for about 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs the dressing. Add the walnuts, bacon, spinach, onion, apple, and the remaining dressing and toss.
5. Menu Suggestions: Hot garlic bread, served either plain or with a little Parmesan cheese, goes well with all the flavors here.
6. Wine Recommendation: This substantial fall salad, with its hearty flavors, will taste great with a Beaujolais or, for something off the beaten path, a fruity pinotage from South Africa. In either case, chill the bottle for fifteen minutes or so before serving.