Description

This Winter Spinach Salad combines the freshness of baby spinach with the sweetness of apples, dried cranberries, and red grapes. Roasted pecans and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese add texture, while a warm bacon dressing ties everything together, providing a comforting contrast to the chilly weather. Perfect for holiday meals, gatherings, or a light yet satisfying winter dish, this salad is a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
1 green apple, sliced
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup red grapes, halved
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup roasted pecans or walnuts
4 strips of crispy bacon, crumbled
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Roast the Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans or walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once or twice until golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon bits and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, then season with salt and pepper. Add the crispy bacon bits back into the dressing and stir.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, sliced apple, dried cranberries, halved red grapes, and chopped green onions. Toss gently to mix.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the roasted nuts and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese over the salad.
Drizzle the Dressing: Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad just before serving and toss to coat.

Notes

You can substitute Gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use a plant-based dressing.
To keep the apples from browning, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding to the salad.
The salad can be assembled ahead of time, but for the best flavor, drizzle the warm dressing just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing, Roasting, Dressing
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Winter spinach salad, bacon dressing, roasted nuts, seasonal salad, spinach salad with fruit, warm bacon dressing, winter meal, healthy salad, holiday salad, family-friendly salad.