Broccoli Salad with Maple Bacon and Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette

Name: Broccoli Salad with Maple Bacon and Caramelized Apple Vinaigrette
Ingredients: For the dressing; 4 ounces apple cider vinegar, divided; 2 ounces brown sugar; 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced into medium-sized pieces (preferably Pink Lady or another sweet/tart apple variety); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme; juice of half a lemon; 1 teaspoon maple syrup; sea salt; 4-6 ounces olive oil; For the salad; 1/2 cup sliced almonds; 6 strips thick-cut bacon; maple syrup; 1/2 small red onion, chopped small; 1 pound broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 1 Pink Lady apple, sliced thin and chopped; 3/4 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup golden raisins; salt