Warm Turkey Salad With Maple Syrup Vinaigrette

When we think of salads, we usually think of warm weather and sunny days. Larry and I certainly do, and we eat a lot more salads when it is warm and sunny out. But every now and then I make a good fall salad that is warm and hearty. We almost forget these are salads, but they are. Last night was one of those nights. I made a delicious warm and hearty fall salad with Larry’s smoked turkey, warm fall vegetables and topped with a maple syrup vinaigrette.

Warm Turkey Salad with Maple Syrup Viniagrette

This salad is warm and welcoming and is filled with all kinds of fall delights.

Mixed greens

10 oz cooked turkey, sliced

4 slices bacon, cut into small strips

1/2 acorn squash, peeled and cubed

1/2 red bell pepper, diced medium

1/2 onion, diced medium

pumpernickel croutons

chopped pecans

maple syrup vinaigrette

pomegranate seeds

Cook the bacon, squash, red peppers and onions together, adding just a little olive oil to the mix, until they are tender and the bacon is completely cooked. Once everything is cooked, remove from the pan, set aside and keep warm.

Cook the croutons in the same bacon grease and oil mixture until they are crispy. I used my leftover pumpernickel from my pumpernickel platter A Pumpernickel Platter. The pumpernickel added a new dimension to the salad.

Slice the turkey and heat it up, then start to assemble the salad. Start with a bed of mixed greens. Add the feta cheese if using, then add the warmed bacon and vegetables. Add the sliced turkey, and top with the croutons, more feta cheese if using, chopped pecans and pomegranate seeds. Finish with the maple syrup vinaigrette.

Maple Syrup Viniagrette

1/3-1/2 cup olive oil

2 TBSP maple syrup

2 TBSP flavored vinegar – I used peach vinegar

1 TBSP Dijon mustard

salt & pepper to taste

Put everything in the food processor and blend until it is all emulsified together.

Top your salad and enjoy with a glass or two of a cool, crisp white wine.

Have a great day and make everyday great, no matter what you do. Life is short. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride and all the adventures that come your way you can while you can. ‘Til next time.