A Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

Some salads feel like summer, but this one tastes like the heart of winter. Sweet apples, creamy Gorgonzola, and crunchy candied walnuts come together with crisp spinach and warm pancetta for a cozy mix of flavors that brighten even the coldest days. It’s quick, beautiful, and fits just as well at a holiday table as it does at an easy weeknight dinner.

Why This Winter Salad Works

Flavor balance that feels seasonal and satisfying

A Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts works because every flavor has a purpose. The apples bring sweetness, the Gorgonzola adds a creamy tang, and the walnuts add both spice and crunch. Meanwhile, crispy pancetta keeps it savory, while pomegranate seeds add bursts of freshness. Together, they create balance in every bite.

Contrasting textures that keep each bite interesting

The contrast here is what makes this salad fun to eat. You’ve got creamy cheese against crunchy nuts, tender spinach meeting crisp apple, and salty pancetta mingling with juicy pomegranate. Each forkful feels different, yet perfectly in tune.

Quick prep with simple steps and make-ahead components

Even though this salad feels gourmet, it’s surprisingly simple. The candied walnuts can be made in advance, and the dressing takes minutes. As a result, you can throw everything together right before serving.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh produce: spinach, apples, pomegranate arils

Use baby spinach for tenderness and freshness. Red delicious apples give natural sweetness and color contrast, while pomegranate arils offer juicy pops and a festive look.

Proteins and cheese: pancetta or bacon, Gorgonzola

Crispy pancetta or streaky bacon adds salt and crunch. Gorgonzola brings creaminess and tang that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Pantry items for dressing and candied walnuts

You’ll need olive oil, red wine vinegar, butter, sugar, and spices like paprika and red pepper flakes. Together, these create both the salad dressing and the caramel glaze for the walnuts.

How to Make Candied Walnuts

Melt, season, and coat the walnuts

Start by melting butter with sugar, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir until the mixture looks glossy. Then toss in the walnut halves until they’re evenly coated.

Caramelize and cool for perfect crunch

Let the nuts cook briefly until they turn golden and sticky. Transfer them to baking paper, separate quickly with a fork, and let them cool. Once cooled, they’ll become perfectly crisp.

Crisping the Pancetta or Bacon

Lay the pancetta or bacon slices in a skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy on both sides. Drain on paper towels, then break into bite-sized pieces. The salty crunch ties the salad together beautifully.

Mixing the Gorgonzola Dressing

Whisking the base

In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This simple base gives the salad its tangy brightness.

Blending in the softened Gorgonzola

Add half the Gorgonzola and mash it gently with a fork into the dressing. Some small lumps are fine—they’ll melt slightly when tossed with the spinach, creating creamy pockets of flavor.

Assembling the Winter Salad

Coating the spinach evenly

Add the baby spinach to a large bowl, drizzle with dressing, and toss until each leaf glistens lightly.

Layering apples, cheese, pancetta, and toppings

Divide the spinach into bowls. Arrange apple slices, pomegranate arils, remaining Gorgonzola, candied walnuts, and crispy pancetta evenly across each.

Adding final touches for flavor and presentation

Sprinkle with a touch of fresh pepper before serving. The mix of colors and textures will make the dish shine at any table.

Recipe Tips for Best Results

Prepping ingredients ahead of time

Candied walnuts can be stored in an airtight container for several days. You can also slice the apples just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.

Swaps and substitutions for flexibility

Sweet green apples work if you can’t find red. For the protein, try turkey bacon or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version.

Texture and flavor adjustments to suit preferences

If you prefer a smoother dressing, blend it in a food processor. For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.

Variations to Try

Different blue cheeses or apple varieties

Switch Gorgonzola for Roquefort, Stilton, or even blue brie for a milder option. Fuji or Honeycrisp apples also work well for sweetness and crunch.

Alternative proteins or nut options

Try prosciutto instead of pancetta, or swap walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a twist on the flavor profile.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

This salad tastes best fresh. You can prepare the candied walnuts and dressing a day in advance and refrigerate them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the spinach crisp.

FAQs About Winter Salads With Spinach and Gorgonzola

More Such Recipes

• balsamic grilled vegetables with smoky flavor
• fresh peach salsa for summer dinners
• one skillet salmon with lemon orzo
• easy Italian apple cake (Torta di Mele)
• healthy zucchini oatmeal cookies for a sweet finish
• blueberry peach feta salad with light vinaigrette
• Mediterranean chicken zucchini bake

Conclusion

This winter salad combines simplicity and flavor in one bowl. Each element sweet apple, creamy Gorgonzola, crunchy walnuts, and savory pancetta works together for a cozy, refreshing dish that feels right at home during the colder months. Serve it with crusty bread or alongside roasted meat for a complete meal. Share your version on Pinterest or join the conversation on Facebook.

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