As the days grow colder and the crisp air beckons us to cozy up indoors, there’s something incredibly uplifting about a vibrant winter salad gracing the table. The first time I combined the earthy notes of baby spinach with the sweet crunch of apples, I discovered a delightful contrast that was both refreshing and satisfying. Now, the mere thought of that tangy Gorgonzola paired with candied walnuts and a hint of crispy bacon brings warmth to my heart, reminding me that winter can be a season of colorful flavors too.
You might be surprised to learn how simple this dish is to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for those of us who are tired of the same old routines or seeking something impressive yet uncomplicated to share at family gatherings. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory—all beautifully woven together in a salad that truly shines on any winter day. Let's dive into this recipe that will not only tickle your taste buds but also brighten up any meal!
Why You'll Love This A Winter Salad
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish.
- Each bite bursts with delightful flavors, combining the sweetness of apples with the tanginess of Gorgonzola for a truly exquisite experience.
- The salad is not only versatile but can serve as a light lunch or an impressive side dish for any winter gathering.
- Its vibrant colors and appealing presentation make it a feast for the eyes, ensuring it will be the highlight of your table.
A Winter Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Baby spinach – 7 oz (200g) provides a fresh and earthy base for this winter salad.
• Red delicious apple – 1, thinly sliced, adds a delightful sweetness and crunch.
• Gorgonzola – 4.5 oz (130g), at room temperature, offers a creamy, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the salad.
• Pomegranate arils – From ½ pomegranate, these juicy gems provide a pop of color and a burst of sweetness.
For the Toppings
• Streaky bacon or pancetta – 5.2 oz (150g), cut into small pieces after grilling, adds a savory crunch that elevates the dish.
• Olive oil – 5 tbsp, for a smooth and rich dressing.
• Red wine vinegar – 1 tbsp, to brighten the flavors with a bit of acidity.
• Walnut halves – 1 cup (80g), providing crunch and nutrition, especially when candied!
• Sugar – 3 tbsp, needed to caramelize the walnuts for that heavenly sweetness.
For the Seasoning
• Red pepper flakes – ¼ tsp, to give a hint of heat that balances the sweetness.
• Paprika – ¼ tsp, drawing out the warmth of the winter flavors.
• Butter – 1 oz (30g), for melting and baking those delicious candied walnuts.
• Salt and pepper – To taste, essential for elevating all the flavors within this winter salad.
Enjoy this vibrant dish that truly embodies the spirit of winter dining!
How to Make A Winter Salad
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add sugar, red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined and the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a sweet glaze for your walnuts.
- Add walnut halves to the pan and gently stir to coat them evenly in the buttery mixture. Cook until the walnuts are caramelized, about 5 minutes, and turn a lovely golden brown.
- Transfer the caramelized walnuts onto baking paper. Use a fork to separate them, then let them cool completely until they harden.
- Grill the bacon or pancetta in another pan over medium-high heat until crispy and golden, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and cut into small pieces.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently fold in half of the Gorgonzola and mash it with a fork until partly blended.
- Toss the baby spinach in the dressing until every leaf is evenly coated, taking in all those delightful flavors!
- Divide the spinach amongst serving bowls, then layer on the apple slices, the remaining Gorgonzola, pomegranate arils, candied walnuts, and crumbled pancetta.
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of pepper on top before serving to add that final touch of flavor and presentation.
Optional: Drizzle a little balsamic reduction over the salad for an extra kick of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
A Winter Salad Variations
Feel free to get creative with this winter salad, adding your own twist to elevate the flavors even more!
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Vegan: Swap the Gorgonzola for a creamy cashew or avocado dressing and replace bacon with crispy chickpeas for a hearty plant-based meal. Every bite remains satisfying yet light!
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Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without allergens. The seeds add delightful flavor while keeping the salad nutritious.
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Fruity Boost: Add slices of pear or mandarin oranges to enhance the sweetness and freshness of your salad. This twist creates a wonderful symphony of flavors!
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Extra Crunch: Toss in some toasted sunflower seeds for even more crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. This adds texture and an unexpected element to each bite.
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Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for a bolder kick or add sliced jalapeños for a spicy thrill. Heat lovers will rejoice as they enjoy a new dimension to the dish!
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Herby Delight: Fresh herbs like dill or mint can be added to elevate the freshness and complement the other ingredients beautifully. Each herb brings a lovely aroma and taste that enhances the salad.
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Cheese Swap: Instead of Gorgonzola, use feta or goat cheese for a tangy contrast that brightens the salad with a different creamy texture. Each cheese creates a unique flavor profile.
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Sweetness Variation: Instead of candied walnuts, try maple-glazed almonds for a different kind of sweetness that's equally irresistible. The sweet, sticky glaze adds a beautiful warmth to the dish!
Each variation allows this winter salad to transform and surprise with every forkful, making it a meal that never feels boring!
Make Ahead Options
These A Winter Salad preparations are perfect for busy weeknights and can save you valuable time! You can make the candied walnuts and bacon or pancetta up to 3 days in advance. Simply store the nuts in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch, and refrigerate the cooked pancetta until ready to use. The dressing can also be prepared up to 24 hours ahead; just whisk together the ingredients and keep it refrigerated. When it's time to serve, toss the spinach in the dressing, layer your apple slices, Gorgonzola, pomegranate arils, and prepared toppings, and you'll delight everyone with this beautiful and delicious salad—just as fresh as if you made it that day!
How to Store and Freeze A Winter Salad
Fridge: Store any leftover A Winter Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain freshness.
Freezer: It's best not to freeze A Winter Salad, as the leafy greens will become soggy and lose their crisp texture upon thawing.
Reheating: For the candied walnuts and pancetta, you can reheat them by briefly placing them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, but avoid reheating the salad itself.
Assembly Tip: If preparing ahead, keep all salad components separate and combine just before serving to retain texture and flavor.
What to Serve with A Winter Salad?
As the crisp air settles in, imagine a cozy dining experience paired perfectly with this vibrant winter dish.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes provides a comforting balance to the refreshing elements of the salad.
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Quinoa Pilaf: Light and nutty, quinoa adds a chewy texture and is packed with extra protein, making the meal feel wholesome.
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Herb Roasted Chicken: Tender and flavorful chicken infused with herbs can complement the sweet and savory tones of the salad beautifully.
Cozy up with this delightful meal!
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Toasty Garlic Bread: Crispy, crunchy garlic bread offers a satisfying contrast and is perfect for scooping up any extra dressing.
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Warm Baked Brie: Melty, gooey brie drizzled with honey elevates the flavor profile to a whole new level of indulgence.
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Pomegranate Sparkling Water: A refreshing drink option that echoes the pomegranate notes in the salad, tying the meal together beautifully.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm for a sweet and spiced pairing that will wrap up your winter meal with comforting notes.
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Chocolate Fondue: For dessert, a rich chocolate fondue invites everyone to indulge in sweet dippables, ending the meal on a blissful note.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For A Winter Salad, ensure that your walnuts are coated evenly in the buttery mixture to achieve a perfect caramelization without burning.
- When grilling your pancetta or bacon, use medium-high heat to ensure they become crispy without excessive grease.
- Let the Gorgonzola come to room temperature before mixing it into the dressing; this will allow it to blend more smoothly and enhance its creamy texture.
- As for the spinach, toss it in the dressing just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and crispness.
A Winter Salad Recipe FAQs
What do I look for when selecting apples for this salad?
Absolutely! For this winter salad, I recommend choosing firm apples like the red delicious variety, which add a delightful sweetness and crisp texture. Make sure to opt for apples that are free from bruises or dark spots, as these can detract from the overall freshness of your dish.
How should I store leftovers of A Winter Salad?
Very! Store any leftover winter salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate from the salad components to retain the vibrant color and crisp texture of the baby spinach. When you're ready to enjoy, simply assemble again and toss with the dressing!
Can I freeze A Winter Salad?
I often advise against freezing this winter salad, as the leafy greens will become soggy and lose their crunch when thawed. However, if you have leftover candied walnuts and pancetta, you can freeze those separately in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in a skillet before adding them back to your salad!
What should I do if my candied walnuts are burnt?
If your candied walnuts turn out burnt, don’t fret! Allow them to cool, and you can break them apart for a unique crunchy topping instead. If they are overly burnt, unfortunately, it’s best to start over, but make sure to monitor the heat while cooking and stir frequently for optimal caramelization.
Are there any allergy considerations for A Winter Salad?
Absolutely! If you're preparing this winter salad for someone with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the ingredients. The Gorgonzola contains dairy, so consider a vegan cheese alternative if lactose intolerant. Additionally, if preparing for pets, keep in mind that certain fruits, such as apples, are safe but others like walnuts should not be shared. Always double-check any allergens with your guests!
A Winter Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add sugar, red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined and the sugar begins to dissolve, creating a sweet glaze for your walnuts.
- Add walnut halves to the pan and gently stir to coat them evenly in the buttery mixture. Cook until the walnuts are caramelized, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the caramelized walnuts onto baking paper. Use a fork to separate them, then let them cool completely until they harden.
- Grill the bacon or pancetta in another pan over medium-high heat until crispy, roughly 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and cut into small pieces.
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently fold in half of the Gorgonzola and mash it with a fork until partly blended.
- Toss the baby spinach in the dressing until every leaf is evenly coated.
- Divide the spinach amongst serving bowls, then layer on the apple slices, the remaining Gorgonzola, pomegranate arils, candied walnuts, and crumbled pancetta.
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of pepper on top before serving.
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