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


Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350°. Toast the walnuts until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Let cool.

2. In a large frying pan, cook the bacon until it is crisp. Drain the bacon on paper towels and then crumble it.

3. In a small glass or stainless-steel bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk in the oil.

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.