Apple Pecan Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 3 slices Bacon, diced.
02 - ¼ cup Apple cider vinegar.
03 - 1 medium Shallot, diced.
04 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
05 - ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil.
06 - 1 tbsp Honey.
07 - Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste.
08 - 1 large bunch Kale (stems removed, leaves shredded).
09 - 1 medium Apple, diced.
10 - ½ cup Sliced celery.
11 - ½ cup Dried sweetened cranberries.
12 - ½ cup Crumbled feta cheese.
13 - 1 large Egg white (for candied pecans).
14 - ⅓ cup Sugar (for candied pecans).
15 - ¾ tsp Kosher salt (for candied pecans).
16 - ½ tsp Pumpkin pie spice (for candied pecans).
17 - ⅛ tsp Cayenne pepper (optional, for candied pecans).
18 - 2 cups Pecan halves (for candied pecans).

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook diced bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
02 - To make the dressing, whisk together apple cider vinegar, diced shallot, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes to mellow the shallot. Slowly whisk in extra virgin olive oil and honey. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
03 - In a large bowl, massage the shredded kale with the prepared dressing for 1 minute to soften it.
04 - Top the massaged kale with crispy bacon, diced apple, sliced celery, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and candied pecans.
05 - For the candied pecans: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a bowl, whisk the egg white until frothy. Mix in sugar, kosher salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add pecan halves and toss until well coated. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through baking. Allow pecans to cool completely before using.

# Notes:

01 - This bright and refreshing salad is perfect for fall gatherings and offers a balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory elements.
02 - Massaging the kale with dressing helps to soften its texture and enhance flavor.
03 - Candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.

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