Yep, you heard me. Walnuts. Bacon. Hot. Dressing. It’s salty and crunchy and savory and tangy and sweet. It’s a serious dressing that can hold it’s own! This is no vinaigrette!! It’s filling and hearty. It’s — dare I say it — fall y’all!
Maybe I should have just titled this one: It’s FALL Y’all. But I wouldn’t do that to you. Is anyone else eye rolling at the #fallyall posts?!? Call me the Grinch if you want but that hashtag needs to leave the station! Just not my thing. What is my thing though: this hot walnut bacon dressing.
This guy is heavy enough to dress up kale greens all on its own, or to toss over roasted brussels sprouts and call it a bowl meal (I see you, Tuesday night dinner).
For that reason, I let the salad base for this one remain simple. You’ve got the texture and crunch you need from the apples and celery, but the base has a purposefully light flavor profile to let this fabulous dressing SHINE. And shine it does – especially with my optional orange add in!
If you’d like your dressing to be more on the savory side, feel free to leave out the orange juice and zest. But I’d encourage you to try it at least once. I love the bright flavor from the orange!
One last note on this before I release you into the kitchen: I have a whole new appreciation for the humble walnut. The *toasted* walnut specifically. Who knew walnuts could be such a hearty, toasty, delicious base for a savory dressing?? I sure didn’t. Maybe my understanding of the walnut wasn’t well rounded, but I used to mostly think of walnuts in the context of baked goods. No more, my friends. Toasted walnuts and I are going on new adventures. I’d love for you to share any savory walnut recipes in the comments below. I’ll be sure to let you in on any treasure we find.
Looking for more filling salad recipes?
- Kale, Apple, + Roasted Chickpea Salad with Garlic Tahini Dressing
- Spicy Venison Cabbage Bowl
- Honey-Roasted Butternut Squash + Cranberry Spinach Salad
- Coconut Chicken Tenders Salad (Whole30 + Paleo)
- Warm Brussels Sprouts and Pear Salad
- Cauliflower Walnut “Meat” Taco Salad Bowl (Vegan)
- Turkey Taco Bowls for Two with Avocado Cilantro Crema
- Warm Halloumi + Zuchinni Salad
[tasty-recipe id=”2588″]
