GINA'S SPINACH SALAD WITH SPICED PECANS

Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup pecan halves
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 small shallot, minced
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
Pinch sugar
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 5-ounce package pre-washed baby spinach
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, fried crisp
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Steps:

Pecans: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Stir in all the spices and the pecans. Stir and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes. Transfer them to a plate to cool.
Salad: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, shallots, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil in a continuous stream, whisking to emulsify. Season with a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste.
Add the spinach to a large serving bowl. Toss the greens with the prepared dressing, the bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and spiced pecans.