PowerPacked Winter Salad Spinach Apple Gorgonzola Walnuts
As the crisp winter air settles in, I can’t help but think of cozy evenings spent by the fireplace, warming up with comfort food that nourishes the spirit and fills the belly. One dish that always warms my heart is a dreamy winter salad filled with vibrant spinach, crisp apples, creamy gorgonzola, and the sweet crunch of candied walnuts. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures that dances on your palate, making you feel like you’re wrapped in a soft blanket even when the wind is howling outside.
This salad is not just a dish; it’s a delightful experience. Every bite is a reminder of the season’s bounty—a celebration of freshness during those chilly months when fresh produce can sometimes feel scarce. Join me as I share my beloved recipe for this winter salad, and let’s create something beautiful together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious and full of flavor, making it a healthy choice.
- Impressive enough for a gathering but simple enough for just you.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
- Endless variations to keep things exciting for your taste buds!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our star players for this winter wonderland of a salad!
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach (or mixed greens for a twist)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced (I love a crunchy Honeycrisp for sweetness)
- ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese (blue cheese works too if you’re feeling adventurous!)
- ½ cup candied walnuts (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (for a pop of sweetness)
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (to balance out the acidity)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: Use fresh garlic to amp up the flavor in the dressing if you love that aromatic punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Begin by washing and drying the spinach thoroughly. No one wants a soggy salad, right? Next, slice your apple and red onion (if you’re using it). Make sure the apple slices are thin; you want them to mingle nicely with the other ingredients!
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste it—add more honey if you like it sweeter or more vinegar for a tangy kick!
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, apple slices, red onion, cranberries, and candied walnuts. Crumble the gorgonzola over the top, letting it cozy up to the other ingredients.
- Dress it right: Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, and toss gently so everything gets covered without bruising the spinach. A light, fluffy toss is the key!
- Serve and enjoy: Dig in immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it sit for a few minutes to let those flavors develop. Hands off for a second while it rests will be totally worth it!
Watch out: If you’re preparing this ahead of time, store the dressing separately and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy!
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to sprinkle a little creativity in there? Here are some fun twists to keep this winter salad fresh and exciting!
- Swap the nuts: Don’t have walnuts? Pecans or almonds can add a delightful crunch. You could even roast them with a bit of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth!
- Add a protein: Grilled chicken or tofu can transform this salad into a hearty meal.
- Incorporate seasonal veggies: Thinly sliced roots like carrots or roasted butternut squash would add a lovely depth of flavor and color.
- Change the cheese: If gorgonzola isn’t your thing, try feta or goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: a beautifully arranged plate of this winter salad, perhaps drizzled with a balsamic reduction for a touch of elegance. It pairs marvelously with crusty artisan bread, a warm bowl of soup, or even grilled cheese for those extra cozy nights. And how about enjoying it with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the flavors? Heaven on a plate!
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can serve it alongside some roasted chicken or a zesty quinoa bowl for a well-rounded dinner.
Storage Tips
Ah, the essential question: can I save leftovers? Here’s the scoop!
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing separate if possible. The salad will stay fresh for about 2 days, but it will start to get soggy after that, especially with the dressing mixed in. If you’ve got too much to eat at once, consider only dressing what you plan to eat immediately. You can also freeze candied walnuts in a separate container, and they’ll keep their deliciousness for a month!
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time—just keep the salad dressing separate to avoid a sogginess disaster!
How can I make this salad vegan?
Easy peasy! Just omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for the dressing.
What other fruits can I use?
Feel free to get creative! Pears, oranges, or even pomegranate seeds can add a refreshing twist to your winter salad.
How spicy is gorgonzola?
Gorgonzola has a distinct tang and creaminess with a bit of a bite. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for feta or fresh mozzarella instead!
Can I use different nuts?
Definitely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts would be lovely alternatives! Just toast them lightly in a skillet for added flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it, my dear friends—a delightful winter salad that’s bursting with flavor and warmth! I hope you embrace this recipe as much as I do and make it your own. I’d love to hear about your version! Feel free to drop a comment below about your experience making this salad or any exciting twists you tried. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and warmth!
Print
PowerPacked Winter Salad Spinach Apple Gorgonzola Walnuts
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a vibrant winter salad featuring fresh spinach crisp apple creamy gorgonzola and sweet candied walnuts for a nutritious meal 155 chars
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful winter salad filled with vibrant spinach, crisp apples, creamy gorgonzola, and the sweet crunch of candied walnuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: winter salad, spinach salad, apple salad, gorgonzola salad, healthy salad