Loaded Spinach Recipe
Baby spinach, chopped bacon, red onions, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, seasonal fruit, blue cheese crumbles, and candied nuts with balsamic vinaigrette
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Ingredients
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Salad
Candied Nuts
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Method
Candied Nuts
- 1
Toast and Candy Nuts
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium skillet over medium heat, combine 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon butter. When sugar begins to melt, add 1 cup mixed nuts and stir to coat. Continue stirring as the sugar caramelizes and coats the nuts, about 3–4 minutes. Spread nuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and let cool completely (about 15 minutes). Break into clusters before serving.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2
Make Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk while slowly streaming in 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning. Chill briefly if not using right away.
Salad Assembly
- 3
Prepare Vegetables and Fruit
Wash and thoroughly dry 8 cups baby spinach. Thinly slice enough red onion to yield 1/2 cup (about 1/4 of a medium onion) and separate into rings. Halve 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes. Peel, seed and dice or slice the cucumber to yield 1 cup. Prepare 1 cup sliced seasonal fruit (for strawberries: hull and slice; for apple: core and thinly slice). Chop 6 cooked bacon slices into 1/2-inch pieces.
- 4
Assemble Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, seasonal fruit, and chopped bacon. Sprinkle 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles evenly over the top. Add the cooled candied nuts (as much as desired; reserve a small handful for garnish).
- 5
Dress and Serve
Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad — start with about 3 to 4 tablespoons and toss gently to coat. Taste and add more dressing if needed. Garnish with remaining candied nuts and an extra sprinkle of blue cheese. Serve immediately.
