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5 from 8 votes

A winter salad - spinach, apple, gorgonzola and candied walnuts

A flavour packed Winter salad made with baby spinach, red apple, creamy Gorgonzola cheese and candied walnuts.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 692kcal
Author: Emily Wyper

Ingredients

  • 7 oz (200g) spinach
  • 1 red delicious apple thinly sliced
  • 4.5 oz (130g) gorgonzola at room temperature
  • ½ pomegranate , arils removed
  • 5.2 oz (150g) streaky bacon or pancetta strips (2 slices per person)
  • 5 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 cup (80g) walnts halves
  • 3 tablespoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon chilli flakes (red pepper flakes)
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 oz (30g) Butter
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Add the walnut halves, sugar, chilli flakes, paprika, pinch of salt and butter in a small pan. Let the sugar and butter melt together for a couple of minutes, stir to coat the walnuts, make sure the sugar doesn’t burn.
  • Transfer the walnuts straight away to a sheet of baking paper and separate the walnuts so they don’t stick together, set aside.
  • Place the bacon or pancetta under a hot grill and grill until crispy on each side, drain on kitchen paper.
  • To make the dressing put the olive and vinegar in a large mixing bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until homogenized. Add half the of gorgonzola and mash it with a fork until it’s mixed in with the rest of the dressing (there will be a few lumps but don’t be discouraged).
  • Add the spinach to the dressing, toss the spinach until it’s evenly coated in the dressing.
  • Divide the dressed spinach in serving bowls then top with equal amounts of apple, gorgonzola, pomegranate, bacon pieces and walnuts. Top with a grinding of pepper and serve.

Notes

  • Don't worry about the look of the dressing. it works.
  • The Gorgonzola must be at room temperature (very important).
  • Cut or tear the bacon or pancetta into smaller pieces before sprinkling over the salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 692kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 798mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 5270IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 247mg | Iron: 2mg