Description
A Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts is a cozy, flavorful salad perfect for cold days. It combines crisp spinach, juicy apple, creamy Gorgonzola, crunchy candied walnuts, and salty pancetta in a sweet-savory mix that’s as comforting as it is refreshing.
Ingredients
7 oz (200g) baby spinach
1 red delicious apple, thinly sliced
4.5 oz (130g) Gorgonzola, at room temperature
1/2 pomegranate, arils only
5.2 oz (150g) streaky bacon or pancetta (2 slices per person)
5 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 cup (80g) walnut halves
3 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp paprika
1 oz (30g) butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Melt butter with sugar, red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt in a pan over medium heat. Add walnut halves and stir to coat evenly until caramelized.
2. Transfer to baking paper, separate, and let cool.
3. Grill bacon or pancetta until crispy on both sides, then drain on paper towels and cut into small pieces.
4. Whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add half the Gorgonzola and mash with a fork until partly blended.
5. Toss the spinach in the dressing until evenly coated.
6. Divide spinach into serving bowls and top with apple slices, remaining Gorgonzola, pomegranate, candied walnuts, and pancetta.
7. Finish with a little extra pepper before serving.
Notes
Bring Gorgonzola to room temperature 30 minutes before use.
Candied walnuts can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Dressing can be blended in a food processor for a smoother texture.
Sweet red apples work best, but sweet green apples can substitute.
Lumpy dressing is normal and adds rustic texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 692
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 798
- Fat: 62
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 41
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 65