Spinach Salad with Cranberries Pecans Bacon and Blue Cheese
Indulge in the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with this Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, Bacon, and Blue Cheese. Fresh spinach leaves form the vibrant base, while chewy dried cranberries and toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. Crispy crumbled bacon lends a smoky richness, perfectly complemented by the creamy tang of blue cheese crumbles. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette, crafted with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey, ties it all together with a zesty finish. This salad is quick to prepare, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish, and is ideal for serving as a flavorful side dish or a light yet satisfying main. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it’s a show-stopping dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups Fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup Dried cranberries
- 0.75 cup Pecans
- 6 slices Thick-cut bacon
- 0.5 cup Blue cheese crumbles
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Honey
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Rinse and dry the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. Place them into a large salad bowl.
Toast the pecans by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool and drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
Add the dried cranberries, toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, and blue cheese crumbles to the spinach in the salad bowl.
Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring even coating of the dressing.
Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh spinach salad with cranberries, pecans, bacon, and blue cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2155 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.0 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.3 g | 182% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 105 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 2918 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 136.0 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.9 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 110.2 g | ||
| Protein | 34.2 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 497 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 6.6 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 1433 mg | 30% | |
*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.
