Directions

1. To toast nuts: Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add walnuts in a single layer. Cook, stirring frequently until walnuts start to brown and smell toasted (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a plate in a single layer to cool, then chop.
   Alternate method: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place nuts in a single layer in an ungreased shallow pan or rimmed baking sheet such as a cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 10 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove from pan to cool, then chop.
2. Easy way to cook a few slices of bacon: Take the bacon from the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before cooking. At room temperature, bacon just cooks up better. Lay out the bacon strips without overlapping in a cold pan. This helps the fat render slowly, for consistently cooked strips. Cook over medium heat — again, good for even rendering. Turn the strips as needed until they reach the desired crispness, 8 to 12 minutes. Drain well on a paper-towel-lined platter.
3. Whisk all dressing ingredients together.
4. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing. Toss well and serve immediately.
5. [Optional] If desired, top individual servings with additional cheese.