Cape Cod Salad from Realtor Open

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One of my most favorite styles of home architecture, The Cape Cod.  It exudes charm, warmth and American style.  Ina Garden pays homage to the Cape Cod with her Cape Cod Chopped Salad.  I made this for my 5114 Keener in Monclova Realtor Open and had several requests to post the recipe.  Bacon, apples, cranberries, cheese, walnuts...what's not to love!

Enjoy~

Kristie

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, such as Niman Ranch

8 ounces baby arugula

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced

1/2 cup toasted walnut halves, coarsely chopped (see note)

1/2 cup dried cranberries

6 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons good apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup good olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and lay the bacon slices on the rack. Roast the bacon for about 20 minutes, until nicely browned. Allow to cool.

In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, apple, walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese.

For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, mustard, maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
Chop the bacon in large pieces and add it to the salad. Toss the salad with just enough dressing to moisten. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss well. Serve immediately.