This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Honey Dijon Apple Cranberry Bacon Salad is the ultimate fall salad that checks all the boxes: sweet, savory, crunchy, and fresh! With crisp apples, tart cranberries, smoky bacon, and a nutty crunch of walnuts over a bed of baby spinach, every bite is balanced and flavorful. Tossed in the most perfect honey Dijon dressing, this salad shines with simple ingredients that deliver bold taste.
This dish isn’t just a holiday favorite, it’s one you’ll want year-round. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, a weekend dinner, or just a quick lunch, this apple bacon salad is guaranteed to impress. Around here, with a house full of friends and the Entice Films crew always ready to taste-test, this recipe never lasts long. It’s safe to say this apple cranberry bacon salad recipe is one of those gems you’ll make on repeat.
What Makes This Recipe Work
This Apple Cranberry Bacon Salad brings together the best flavors of fall in one bowl. Crisp apples pair beautifully with smoky bacon and tart cranberries, while walnuts add a nutty crunch that keeps every bite exciting. The honey Dijon dressing ties it all together with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
What makes it even better is how versatile and effortless it is. You can serve this apple bacon salad as a festive Thanksgiving starter, a quick weekday lunch, or even as a light dinner. The combination of fresh greens, fruit, and savory elements makes this cranberry bacon salad both satisfying and refreshing, proving it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
What Goes Into Apple Cranberry Bacon Salad
Fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor, this salad brings simple ingredients together in the best way. Each component adds a unique texture and taste, making this apple cranberry bacon salad recipe shine every time you serve it.
- Crisp Apples: A mix of sweet red apple and tart granny smith gives this salad a perfect balance of flavors and a refreshing crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: Naturally sweet and slightly chewy, cranberries add brightness and a festive pop of color to the bowl.
- Smoky Bacon: Savory, crispy bacon cuts through the sweetness and adds a salty bite that makes this apple bacon salad irresistible.
- Honey Dijon Dressing: Olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard whisk together into a tangy-sweet dressing that ties the whole salad together.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Apple Cranberry Bacon Salad
- Prep the Salad: Add baby spinach, dried cranberries, crushed walnuts, Danish feta, sliced red apple, sliced Granny Smith, red onion, and cooked bacon to a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
- Make Dressing and Toss: Whisk olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon in a small bowl until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour over the salad, toss to coat, and serve.
This Apple Cranberry Bacon Salad is light, fresh, and versatile, making it the perfect companion to hearty mains. Pair it with Sun Dried Tomato Cheesy Meatballs for a rich, savory contrast that balances beautifully with the sweetness of apples and cranberries.
It also works wonderfully alongside Creamy Beef Stroganoff With Mushrooms, where the crisp greens cut through the creamy sauce. Or serve it with flavorful Carne Asada, where the smoky, charred beef complements the salad’s sweet tangy flavors for a meal that feels complete and satisfying. And if you’re craving another fresh and vibrant option, my Thai Beef Salad is packed with herbs, crisp veggies, and tender beef for the ultimate refreshing bite.
Recipe FAQ’s
A mix of sweet red apples and tart Granny Smith apples gives the best flavor and texture. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter apple bacon salad.
Pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds are excellent swaps that still give crunch while keeping the flavors balanced.
Danish feta is creamy and tangy, but goat cheese or blue cheese can be used if you’d like a stronger flavor profile.
Honey Dijon Apple Bacon Cranberry Salad
Ingredients
Salad:
- 4-6 cups baby spinach or mixed salad leaves including spinach
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crushed walnuts
- 1/3 cup Danish feta cheese
- 1/2 red apple sweet, sliced
- 1/2 granny smith apple sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion sliced
- 4 slices bacon cooked and sliced or chopped
Dressing:
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3-4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Add all of the SALAD ingredients into a large salad bowl.
- Combine all of the DRESSING ingredients in a smaller bowl and mix well. Pour the dressing over the salad.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
You might also like
Get a free eBook!
Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and receive recipes straight into your inbox!
I made this for a large 90th birthday party. People of all ages loved it, and I had many requests for the recipe.
Amazing to hear Debbie! Hope you had a great time at the party! Xx
Awesome! It’s our go to salad now – out are boring green salads we make this now every time we make salad! Great for the summer
The flavours are so brilliantly paired! This is hands down my favourite dinner party recipe and it always delivers! I do serve the nuts seperately as my son has a severe nut allergy but for the rest of us it is essential in the salad!
This is so delicious! I’ve added this to my fall lunch salad rotation (minus the onions) for the past few years and it never disappoints. I usually eat salads without dressings, but the balance of salt and sweet in this one is perfect.