Caramelized Pecans and Gorgonzola Salad
Elevate your salad game with this irresistible Caramelized Pecans and Gorgonzola Salad, a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Featuring crisp mixed greens, creamy crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chewy dried cranberries, and the irresistible crunch of homemade caramelized pecans, this dish is a feast for the senses. Tossed in a luscious balsamic vinaigrette made with honey and Dijon mustard, this salad offers the perfect balance of richness and brightness. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for a quick yet sophisticated appetizer, side dish, or light main course. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and beautifully flavorful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pecans
- 0.25 cup Granulated sugar
- 6 cups Mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, romaine)
- 0.5 cup Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 0.33 cup Dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the pecans. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and granulated sugar. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon as the sugar melts and coats the pecans. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the pecans are lightly glossy and golden. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool, ensuring they don't cluster together.
Step 2: Prepare the balsamic vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, Gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, and cooled caramelized pecans.
Step 4: Dress the salad. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Serve. Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
509 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 27 mg | 9% | |
| Sodium | 571 mg | 25% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.0 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.7 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 213 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 286 mg | 6% | |
*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.
