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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Spread the coated walnuts on parchment paper, ensuring they do not clump together, and allow to cool and harden.
- Crisp the bacon or pancetta in a hot skillet until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well combined.
- Crush half the gorgonzola into the dressing, leaving some small cheese chunks for texture.
- Gently coat fresh spinach leaves with the dressing, ensuring even distribution.
- Plate the dressed spinach in individual serving bowls.
- Crumble the remaining gorgonzola over the salad.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces and cooled candied walnuts on top of the salad.
- 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