Blueberry & Bleu Spinach Delight
This vibrant Blueberry & Bleu Spinach Delight is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering. Adapted from the renowned Redwood Grill in Houston, TX, this salad transforms the classic combination of spinach and cheese into an extraordinary culinary experience. Fresh blueberries burst with sweetness and complement the bold, tangy notes of crumbled blue cheese, while crunchy toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch. The homemade vinaigrette, featuring shallot and raspberry vinegar, ties the salad together with a rich, smooth finish. You can also experiment with substituting juicy raspberries for the blueberries for a unique twist. Perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone meal, this salad is bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
6-8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shallot
1 (minced)
Fresh Blueberries
1/2 pint (fresh, for vinaigrette)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Sugar
3 tablespoons
Raspberry Vinegar
1/3 cup
Vegetable Oil
1 cup
Baby Spinach
1-2 bags (ready-to-eat)
Fresh Blueberries
1 pint (additional for salad)
Blue Cheese
2/3 cup (crumbled)
Chopped Pecans
1/2 cup (toasted)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In an electric blender, combine the minced shallot, fresh blueberries, salt, sugar, raspberry vinegar, and vegetable oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the ready-to-eat baby spinach. Gently fold in additional fresh blueberries, crumbled blue cheese, and the chopped and toasted pecans.
3
Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
4
Serve the salad fresh, garnished with extra blueberries and pecans if desired. Enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Blueberry & Bleu Spinach Delight?
It is a vibrant salad featuring a fusion of baby spinach, fresh blueberries, blue cheese, and toasted pecans, tied together with a homemade raspberry vinaigrette.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include baby spinach, fresh blueberries, crumbled blue cheese, toasted pecans, shallots, raspberry vinegar, and vegetable oil.
How do I prepare the vinaigrette?
Combine minced shallot, blueberries, salt, sugar, raspberry vinegar, and vegetable oil in an electric blender and blend until smooth and emulsified.
Can I substitute the blueberries with other fruit?
Yes, you can experiment by substituting juicy raspberries for the blueberries for a unique twist on the recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield between 6 to 8 servings.
Is this salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy and features nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach, fresh fruit, and nuts.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are plant-based or dairy, making it suitable for vegetarians.
What type of spinach should I use?
The recipe calls for 1-2 bags of ready-to-eat baby spinach.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Yes, using chopped and toasted pecans adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the flavor profile.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This salad was adapted from the renowned Redwood Grill located in Houston, TX.
How much blue cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Raspberry vinegar is specifically recommended to complement the fruit flavors in the salad.
How should the shallot be prepared?
The shallot should be finely minced before being added to the blender for the vinaigrette.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, while it works perfectly as a side dish, it is substantial enough to be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal.
How do I finish the salad?
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the spinach mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses 3 tablespoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
The recipe specifies fresh blueberries for both the vinaigrette and the salad to ensure the best texture and flavor.
What oil is used for the vinaigrette?
The recipe uses 1 cup of vegetable oil to create a smooth, emulsified dressing.
How do I prevent the spinach from wilting?
Serve the salad fresh immediately after tossing with the vinaigrette.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, grilled chicken or shrimp would make excellent additions for extra protein.
Is this salad good for parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is sure to impress guests at any gathering.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is rich, smooth, and emulsified thanks to the blending process.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt in the vinaigrette.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, toasted walnuts would be a suitable alternative if pecans are unavailable.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include salad, spinach, blueberries, blue cheese, pecans, vinaigrette, healthy, appetizer, and vegetable.
How many blueberries go into the salad itself?
The recipe uses 1 pint of fresh blueberries in the salad, plus an additional 1/2 pint for the vinaigrette.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe appears to be naturally gluten-free.
How do you garnish the dish?
You can garnish the final dish with extra blueberries and toasted pecans for a better presentation.
What equipment is needed for the dressing?
You will need an electric blender to properly emulsify the vinaigrette ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare?
Since it involves simple blending and tossing, the preparation is quick and efficient.