Chicken Apple Bacon Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

FOR THE SALAD

• 1 1/2 lbs cooked chicken breasts , diced into strips* (about 3 chicken breasts)
• 6 – 8 slices bacon , cooked and diced
• 3 medium apples , sliced
• 3/4 cup chopped , toasted (or candied walnuts)
• 9 oz spring mix lettuce (with spinach)
• 6 oz crumbled feta
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

FOR THE BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp honey
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped shallot
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper , to taste

Instructions:

1. Layer all salad ingredients into individual salad bowls or over plates. Serve drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette.
2. For the balsamic vinaigrette: Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and finely diced shallot to a blender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend mixture until well emulsified and thickened slightly. Store in refrigerator in an airtight container.