Best 9 Spinach And Blue Cheese Salad With Sliced Apples And Spiced Caramelized Pecans Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad, a culinary masterpiece that combines the vibrant freshness of spinach, the creamy tang of blue cheese, the crisp sweetness of sliced apples, and the nutty crunch of spiced caramelized pecans. This delightful salad is not just a meal; it's an experience that tantalizes your taste buds with every bite. Accompanying this main recipe, you'll find a treasure trove of complementary recipes that elevate your culinary journey. Discover the art of creating the perfect homemade croutons, a simple yet essential element that adds a delightful textural contrast to the salad. Learn the secrets of crafting a tangy and flavorful balsamic vinaigrette dressing, the perfect accompaniment to the salad's diverse ingredients. And for a touch of gourmet indulgence, explore the recipe for spiced caramelized pecans, a delectable treat that adds a sweet and savory dimension to the dish. With this comprehensive guide, you'll have everything you need to create a truly exceptional Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad that will impress your palate and leave you craving more.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

SPINACH AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH SLICED APPLES AND SPICED CARAMELIZED PECANS



Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad with Sliced Apples and Spiced Caramelized Pecans image

Provided by Food Network

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 apple, chilled
1 small lemon, juiced
8 ounces spinach, washed, thoroughly dried, and stemmed
1 small head (about 3 ounces) radicchio, cut into chiffonade
5 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup Spago House Dressing, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups Spiced Caramelized Pecans, recipe follows
2 large shallots, minced (1 heaping tablespoon)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons zinfandel vinegar
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
3 cups peanut oil
2 cups pecan halves
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Cut the apple into quarters, remove the stem and the seeds, and cut into very thin slices. Sprinkle lemon juice over the slices and set aside.
  • When ready to serve, in a salad bowl, combine the apple, spinach, radicchio, and blue cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper and toss with the dressing. Adjust seasoning, to taste.
  • To serve, divide the salad among 4 plates and sprinkle the pecans around each salad.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the shallots and the mustard. Whisk in the vinegars, and then the olive and vegetable oils. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Transfer to a covered container and refrigerate until needed.
  • Yield: 1 1/4 cups
  • Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, "Adventures in the Kitchen", Random House, 1991
  • In a deep-fryer or a deep pot, heat the oil to 350 degrees F. (A deep-frying thermometer can be clipped to the side of the pan so that you can tell when the proper temperature has been reached).
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan bring 2 quarts of water to a boil. Add the pecans and boil for 2 minutes. Drain in a large strainer, shaking off all excess water. Sprinkle the salt and cayenne pepper over the nuts and then coat with the confectioners' sugar, a little at a time, allowing the sugar to melt into the pecans. Toss the nuts by shaking the strainer, adding a little more sugar each time, until all the sugar is used and all the nuts are coated. Do not use hands or a spoon to toss. The nuts should have a glaze of sugar.
  • Carefully add the nuts to the heated oil, keeping the oil at 350 degrees F. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking tray to cool.
  • Yield: 2 cups
  • Recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, "Pizza, Pasta & More!," Random House, 2000

SPINACH SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES, PECANS, BACON, AND BLUE CHEESE



Spinach Salad with Cranberries, Pecans, Bacon, and Blue Cheese image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 pound hickory smoked bacon slices, roughly chopped
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
Two 6-ounce containers baby spinach
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup Danish blue cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Fry chopped bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until brown and crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined 1/4-sheet tray to drain.
  • Toast pecans in the oven on a 1/4-sheet tray until lightly golden and fragrant, about 6 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl mash the blue cheese with a fork. Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, sugar, salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Combine baby spinach, red onion, pecans, dried cranberries and bacon in large bowl. Toss with the dressing immediately before serving.

APPLE, PECAN AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD



Apple, Pecan and Blue Cheese Salad image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces salad greens (spring mix)
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 cup pecan halves
6 ounces blue cheese chunks
2 whole apples, cored and sliced very thin
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon (heaping) Dijon
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (or more to taste)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Add the greens, cherries, pecans, cheese and apples into a large salad bowl.
  • Mix the olive oil, Dijon, maple syrup and vinegar in a small jar and sprinkle with and salt and pepper. Put the lid on the jar and shake well to mix.
  • Pour a little of the salad dressing over the top of the salad and toss to combine. Taste the salad and add more dressing to taste.

SPINACH SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE DRESSING



Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 anchovy fillets
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, grated
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 large slices sourdough bread, crusts trimmed, torn into bite-size pieces
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese (about 1 ounce)
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
8 cups baby spinach (about 5 ounces)
1 small head red-leaf lettuce, torn (about 6 cups)
1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Soak the red onion in a small bowl of ice water, about 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  • Meanwhile, make the croutons: Mash the anchovies with a fork. Combine the olive oil, mashed anchovies, 1 grated garlic clove and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Add the torn bread and toss with your hands until the bread absorbs the oil. Spread on a baking sheet and bake, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool.
  • Whisk the buttermilk, sour cream, blue cheese, vinegar, parsley, the remaining grated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl until combined. Add the spinach, lettuce, cucumber, red onion and croutons; toss well.

GINA'S SPINACH SALAD WITH SPICED PECANS



Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

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.

PECAN SPINACH SALAD



Pecan Spinach Salad image

My family thinks this refreshing salad is sensational. Coated with a pleasant vinaigrette and topped with toasted pecans and blue cheese, it has an impressive look and taste. Though it can be prepared in 10 minutes or less, don't tell my family because they'd never believe it!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 cups fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/3 cup real bacon bits
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
DRESSING:
1/3 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, pecans, bacon and blue cheese. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 33g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 582mg sodium, Carbohydrate 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

APPLE BLUE CHEESE SALAD



Apple Blue Cheese Salad image

Easy to make ahead, especially for guests who always love this salad. Granny Smith apple marinated in balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing, bleu cheese, pecans, and bacon all tossed over romaine.

Provided by ALRIESTER

Categories     Salad

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 Granny Smith apple, cored and julienned
1 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1 cup crumbled blue cheese
½ cup chopped pecans
4 slices turkey bacon
6 cups torn romaine lettuce

Steps:

  • Place the julienned apple into a bowl with the balsamic vinaigrette. Refrigerate for at least one hour to marinate.
  • Cook bacon in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain, and crumble.
  • In a salad bowl, combine the blue cheese, pecans, bacon and romaine lettuce, and toss to blend. When ready to serve, pour the apples and dressing over the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 334.3 calories, Carbohydrate 10.9 g, Cholesterol 33.7 mg, Fat 29.6 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 9.3 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 1011.7 mg, Sugar 5.2 g

SPINACH SALAD WITH BLUE CHEESE



Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese image

If you like blue cheese you'll love this salad. I don't know where I got the recipe I found it stuck at the back of my salads. The dressing is good on other salads as well

Provided by Bergy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups Baby Spinach, stems removed,washed & dried
1 red apple, chopped core removed
1 green apple, chopped core removed
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced
1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
2/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Place dressing ingredients in a sealed jar or cruet and shake well to mix.
  • Toss all the salad ingredients to mix well.
  • Do not add dressing until just before serving.

SPINACH SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED PECANS



Spinach Salad With Caramelized Pecans image

Caramelized pecans make this salad especially good. This is a salad they used to serve at the restaurant one of my son's worked at, Rockbottom Brewery. If you want a salad with a bit more punch, try blue cheese instead of the feta.

Provided by SharleneW

Categories     Fruit

Time 13m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 (6 ounce) package fresh Baby Spinach (I also like to make it with a combination of freshbaby spinach and baby greens)
1 large granny smith apple, cored, sliced and then cut each slice into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white vinegar

Steps:

  • Melt butter in small frying pan over low heat.
  • Add pecans and brown sugar.
  • Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly until mixture is caramelized.
  • Spread out on wax paper to cool.
  • In bowl toss together spinach, pecans, apple and cheese.
  • Add oil and vinegar and toss again until everything is coated.
  • Chef's note: To make ahead for a special dinner--toss apple with dressing. Layer on greens, cheese and pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator until needed, tossing just before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the salad.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different greens. Arugula, watercress, and frisée all work well in this salad.
  • Slice the apples thinly. This will help them caramelize evenly.
  • Toast the pecans until they are fragrant. This will bring out their flavor and make them more crunchy.
  • Use a good quality blue cheese. A sharp, pungent blue cheese will add a lot of flavor to the salad.
  • Dress the salad just before serving. This will prevent the greens from wilting.

Conclusion:

Spinach and Blue Cheese Salad with Sliced Apples and Spiced Caramelized Pecans is a delicious and healthy salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it is sure to please everyone at your table. This salad is also very easy to make. It can be made in just a few minutes, and it is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. So next time you are looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give this one a try. You won't be disappointed!

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