Gourmet Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad
Indulge in a vibrant and refreshing gourmet salad that pairs the earthiness of baby spinach with the rich and tangy flavors of blue cheese. This delightful mix features a crisp combination of red and green apples, adding a sweet and tart crunch that complements the savory blue cheese. Toasted pecans provide an added layer of texture and nuttiness, while the zesty homemade dressing, a medley of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar, ties everything together perfectly. Ideal as a light lunch or a satisfying snack, this salad is not only delicious on its own but can also serve as a versatile base for other meal ideas.
4
Servings
210
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
8 cups (stems removed, washed & dried)
Red Apple
1 (chopped, core removed)
Green Apple
1 (chopped, core removed)
Red Onion
1 small (very thinly sliced)
Blue Cheese
1/3 cup (crumbled)
Pecans
1/3 cup (chopped)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (none)
Red Wine Vinegar
2/3 cup (none)
Brown Sugar
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a sealed jar or cruet, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
Shake well to thoroughly mix the dressing and set it aside.
3
In a large salad bowl, combine the washed and dried baby spinach, chopped red and green apples, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled blue cheese, and chopped pecans.
4
Toss the salad ingredients gently to ensure even distribution.
5
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
11g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
2.2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring baby spinach, red and green apples, red onion, blue cheese, and pecans, tossed in a homemade zesty dressing.
What ingredients are used in the salad dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of olive oil, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 210 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat in each serving of this salad.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
Can I substitute the blue cheese with something else?
Yes, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can use goat cheese or feta as a substitute for blue cheese.
What types of apples are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one red apple and one green apple to provide a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Is this Gourmet Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the blue cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and ensure the brown sugar is vegan-certified.
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely, walnuts or sliced almonds would make excellent substitutes for the chopped pecans.
How should the baby spinach be prepared?
The spinach should have the stems removed, be washed thoroughly, and dried completely before assembly.
How much sugar is in each serving?
There are 5g of sugar per serving.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients and dressing separately, but it is best to combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving provides 2.8g of protein.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover salad is best stored without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a sealed jar or cruet and shake well until thoroughly mixed.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar in the dressing?
Yes, honey or maple syrup can be used as a sweetener substitute for the brown sugar.
How should the red onion be sliced?
The red onion should be sliced very thinly to ensure it doesn't overpower the other salad flavors.
What is the fiber content per serving?
This salad provides 2.2g of fiber per serving.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make this a more substantial meal.
Is this salad suitable as a snack?
Yes, it is categorized as a Lunch/Snack and works perfectly as a light, refreshing snack.
How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?
Chop the apples just before serving, or toss them in a little of the red wine vinegar from the dressing recipe to slow oxidation.
Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
Yes, though it will result in a sweeter and darker dressing, balsamic vinegar is a tasty alternative.
How much carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 11g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the preparation required for the apples?
The apples should be chopped with the cores removed; peeling is optional based on preference.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients including the base salad items and the dressing components.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
While fresh minced garlic is recommended for the best flavor, pre-minced garlic can be used for convenience.
What is the sodium content of the salad?
The sodium content depends on the amount of salt you add to taste in the dressing.
Can I use large spinach leaves instead of baby spinach?
Yes, but you should chop or tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces for a better eating experience.
How should I serve the salad for the best flavor?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly just before serving to ensure every leaf is coated without becoming soggy.