The perfect spring day is bright, breezy, mild, and relaxing; so is this Sunshine Salad! This hearty salad is filled with savory chicken, crispy bacon, crisp apples, bright fruits, and tangy Gorgonzola cheese! Dressed up in a zesty and sweet dressing, Sunshine Salad positively beams with vibrancy and fun flavors! Since it’s so quick and easy to make, you’ll find yourself making this salad whenever you need a little sparkle!
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, rinsed and chopped, or 5 cups of mixed greens
- 1 cup chicken, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 1 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 cup mandarin oranges
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts
- 3/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 avocados, chopped
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest, grated
- 2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2/3 cup olive oil
Directions
Step 1 –In a large bowl, toss together the greens, chicken, bacon, apple, red onion, grapes, oranges, strawberries, walnuts, Gorgonzola cheese, and avocado.
Step 2 –Whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing.
Step 3 –Toss the salad with the dressing.
Step 4 –Serve.