Zesty Spinach Apple Gorgonzola Walnut Salad Recipe

This vibrant spinach and apple salad bursts with layers of flavor that dance across your palate.

A colorful medley of fresh spinach and crisp apples creates the perfect base for this gorgonzola and candied walnuts recipe.

Tart apple slices mingle with peppery spinach leaves, offering a delightful contrast of textures.

Creamy gorgonzola crumbles add a rich, tangy punch to each forkful.

Sweet candied walnuts provide a delicate crunch that elevates every bite.

The dressing ties everything together with a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes.

You’ll find this salad irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why Spinach and Apple Salad with Gorgonzola Delights

• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, spicy, and tangy ingredients that dance together in a delightful taste symphony.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills and can be prepared in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Textural Wonderland: Delivers a satisfying crunch from candied walnuts and crispy bacon, contrasting beautifully with soft spinach and creamy gorgonzola.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile salad that works as a stunning starter, light lunch, or impressive side dish for casual gatherings and elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients for Spinach Apple Gorgonzola Salad

• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that forms the foundation of the salad.
• Apple: Crisp fruit that adds sweet and tangy flavor to the salad.
• Gorgonzola Cheese: Rich, creamy blue cheese that provides a sharp and tangy taste.

• Walnut Halves, Sugar, Chili Flakes, Paprika, Salt: Candied walnuts that bring a sweet and spicy crunch to the salad.
• Bacon or Pancetta: Crispy meat that adds a savory and salty element to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper: Simple dressing ingredients that create a light and flavorful coating for the spinach.

How to Make Spinach and Apple Salad with Walnuts

Step 1: Caramelize Walnuts

Grab a small pan and toss in walnut halves, sugar, chili flakes, paprika, salt, and butter.

Gently melt everything together, stirring constantly to coat the walnuts evenly.

Watch carefully to prevent burning, creating a delightful sweet and spicy coating.

Step 2: Cool Candied Walnuts

Quickly transfer the hot walnuts onto a parchment paper sheet.

Spread them out carefully so they don’t clump together.

Let them cool and crisp up while you prepare the other salad components.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

Heat a skillet to high temperature and cook bacon or pancetta until it turns golden and crispy on both sides.

Remove and let drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil and vinegar.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then whisk vigorously.

Crumble half the gorgonzola into the mixture, mashing with a fork to create a creamy, chunky dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Gently toss fresh spinach leaves in the prepared dressing until each leaf is beautifully coated.

Divide the dressed spinach among serving bowls.

Step 6: Final Touches

Top the salad with crispy bacon pieces, remaining gorgonzola crumbles, and the cooled candied walnuts.

Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Pro Tips for Spinach and Apple Gorgonzola Salad

• Watch the sugar-butter mixture closely and stir constantly to avoid scorching, ensuring a perfectly caramelized coating.
• Cook bacon or pancetta at medium-high heat for maximum crispiness, patting excess oil with paper towels for a lighter texture.
• Mash gorgonzola partially into the vinaigrette for a creamy, tangy flavor that clings beautifully to spinach leaves.
• Arrange spinach first, then sprinkle crumbled bacon, remaining gorgonzola, and candied walnuts for visual appeal and balanced bites.
• Prepare candied walnuts and dressing separately up to two days in advance, keeping components fresh and ready to assemble quickly.

Delicious Variations of Spinach and Apple Salad

• Vegan Spinach Delight: Replace gorgonzola with crumbled tofu or vegan blue cheese alternative. Swap bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits for protein.
• Gluten-Free Green Feast: Use gluten-free tamari instead of regular salt. Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially walnuts and bacon.
• Low-Carb Leafy Salad: Substitute sugar with monk sweetener for candied walnuts. Use apple cider vinegar instead of standard vinegar to reduce carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add kalamata olives, replace chili flakes with za'atar seasoning. Include crumbled feta cheese instead of gorgonzola for a Greek-inspired version.

Best Ways to Serve Spinach and Apple Salad

• Rustic Picnic Platter: Arrange the salad on a wooden board with crispy bacon pieces scattered on top, creating a rustic, casual dining experience perfect for outdoor gatherings.
• Elegant Starter Presentation: Serve in small, individual glass bowls, garnishing with remaining gorgonzola crumbles and a sprinkle of candied walnuts for an upscale appetizer look.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Match this salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio to complement the tangy gorgonzola and sweet candied walnuts.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or seared salmon on top to transform the salad into a complete, nutritious meal for lunch or dinner.

Storage Advice for Spinach and Apple Salad

• Store leftover salad components separately in airtight containers. Keep dressing, candied walnuts, and bacon in separate sealed containers. Spinach stays fresh in a moisture-controlled container for 1-2 days.
• Avoid freezing this salad as spinach and dressing will lose texture. Walnuts and bacon can be frozen individually for up to 3 weeks in freezer-safe bags.
• Warm candied walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, spread on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

• Why use spinach as the base for this salad?

Spinach provides a nutrient-dense, tender green base that offers a mild flavor and soft texture, perfectly complementing the bold gorgonzola and sweet candied walnuts.

• How do candied walnuts enhance the salad's flavor profile?

Candied walnuts add a delightful crunch, subtle sweetness, and a hint of warmth from chili flakes and paprika, creating a complex and interesting taste experience.

• What makes gorgonzola a good cheese choice for this salad?

Gorgonzola’s sharp, tangy flavor cuts through the sweetness of the apples and walnuts, providing a rich, creamy element that balances the entire dish.

Spinach and Apple Salad with Gorgonzola and Candied Walnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp spinach and apple salad with gorgonzola and candied walnuts offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a mouthwatering blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that promise to elevate any dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 7 ounces (198 grams) spinach
• 1 red delicious apple (thinly sliced)
• 4.5 ounces (127 grams) gorgonzola, at room temperature
• 5.2 ounces (147 grams) bacon or pancetta strips
• 1/2 pomegranate (arils removed)

Candied Walnuts:

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 ounce (28 grams) butter

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Create candied walnuts by melting sugar, butter, chili flakes, paprika, and salt in a small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, carefully stirring to prevent burning.
2. Spread the coated walnuts on parchment paper, ensuring they do not clump together, and allow to cool and harden.
3. Crisp the bacon or pancetta in a hot skillet until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
4. Prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
5. Crush half the gorgonzola into the dressing, leaving some small cheese chunks for texture.
6. Gently coat fresh spinach leaves with the dressing, ensuring even distribution.
7. Plate the dressed spinach in individual serving bowls.
8. Crumble the remaining gorgonzola over the salad.
9. Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces and cooled candied walnuts on top of the salad.
10. Optional: Add sliced apples for extra crunch and sweetness just before serving.

Notes

• Make candied walnuts ahead of time to prevent last-minute stress and ensure they’re perfectly crisp and evenly coated.
• Watch sugar carefully while caramelizing to avoid burning, which can create a bitter taste and ruin the nuts’ delicate flavor.
• Use crispy bacon or pancetta for maximum texture contrast with soft spinach and creamy gorgonzola.
• Consider swapping gorgonzola for milder blue cheese or goat cheese if you prefer less intense flavors or have dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 472 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Fat: 41 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg