Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad
Indulge in a perfect harmony of flavors and textures with this Candied Walnut Gorgonzola Salad, a delightful medley showcasing sweet, tangy, and savory elements. Fresh, crisp mixed greens are elevated by the crunch of homemade candied walnuts, the creamy tang of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and the vibrant sweetness of dried cranberries and thinly sliced apples. The salad is brought together with a simple yet elegant balsamic vinaigrette, infused with honey and Dijon mustard for a touch of sophistication. Ideal as a light lunch or an impressive starter, this quick and easy salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dining, this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 0.5 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 1 medium apple, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
To make the candied walnuts, heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the walnuts and sugar to the skillet, stirring constantly as the sugar melts and coats the walnuts evenly. This should take about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Once coated and slightly caramelized, transfer the walnuts to a sheet of parchment paper to cool.
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, Gorgonzola cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and apple slices.
To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Sprinkle the cooled candied walnuts over the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Serve immediately and enjoy a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2582 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 170.5 g | 219% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.9 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 56.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 2444 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 239.2 g | 87% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 199.1 g | ||
| Protein | 49.0 g | 98% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 896 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1699 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
