Spinach Salad with Bacon, Cashews, and Apples Recipe

This Spinach Salad with Bacon, Cashews, and Apples recipe combines fresh greens, crisp apples, smoky bacon, crunchy cashews, and creamy Boursin cheese for a flavorful salad with the perfect balance of textures. Featured on Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, this easy salad recipe is a delicious addition to backyard barbecues, family meals, and seasonal gatherings.

The Inspiration

Inspired by classic harvest salads, this recipe highlights the natural pairing of apples and leafy greens. Apples bring a crisp texture and gentle sweetness that complements the earthy flavor of spinach, while bacon adds a smoky, savory element that makes the salad feel more indulgent. Roasted cashews contribute a satisfying crunch and nutty richness, creating layers of texture with every bite.

On Maddie and Kiki’s BBQ Barn Season 2, Maddie and Kiki Longo highlight how simple ingredients can create a memorable dish when combined thoughtfully. The sweetness of crisp apples pairs beautifully with salty bacon, while roasted cashews add a satisfying crunch and Boursin garlic and herb cheese provides a creamy finish.

The homemade vinaigrette brings everything together with bright notes of lemon, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar. This salad is a versatile recipe that works beautifully as a barbecue side dish but is also hearty enough to enjoy as a light lunch or starter.

Ingredients

5 cups spinach leaves
8 slices of bacon, cooked to almost crispy and cut into ½ inch pieces
½ cup roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
2 apples (honey crisp OR granny smith) sliced into matchsticks, skin on
½ cup red onion, sliced thin
1 disc of Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor), crumbled
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped finely
½ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

Place spinach, bacon, cashews, apples and red onions in a large bowl and toss together.
To prepare the vinaigrette, place olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, salt and pepper in a small mason jar and shake until well combined.
Pour dressing over mixture and toss again to evenly coat.
Plate the salad in a pretty bowl, and top with crumbled Boursin cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Salad with Bacon, Cashews, and Apples recipe is a versatile dish that works beautifully for many occasions. It is an excellent side dish for backyard barbecues, especially when served alongside grilled chicken, steak, burgers, ribs, or other barbecue favorites. The freshness of the spinach and apples helps balance richer grilled dishes, creating a well-rounded meal.

For summer entertaining, serve this salad as part of a larger spread with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, baked potatoes, and refreshing drinks. Its colorful appearance makes it an attractive addition to picnic tables, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings.

This salad is also a wonderful choice for holiday meals and family dinners. The combination of apples, nuts, and cheese gives it a seasonal feel that works well during fall celebrations, while the fresh greens keep it light and refreshing.

When entertaining guests, prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain the crisp texture of the spinach and apples.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Salad with Bacon, Cashews, and Apples recipe is a perfect example of how fresh ingredients can come together to create a simple yet impressive dish. The combination of tender spinach, crunchy cashews, juicy apples, smoky bacon, and creamy Boursin cheese creates layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

Find more recipes from Maddie & Kiki’s BBQ Barn here!