Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing
This delightful Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing is the perfect light, refreshing dish that combines the richness of blue cheese, the crunch of walnuts, and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a savory side to your main course. The vibrant, nutrient-packed spinach leaves provide a fresh base, while the tangy dressing ties everything together perfectly. This salad works wonderfully for spring and summer meals, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. Whether served at a casual dinner or a holiday gathering, this salad is sure to impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach leaves | 1 large bunch |
| Blue cheese (crumbled) | 1/3 cup |
| Walnut halves | 1 cup |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon |
| Cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 1/2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 52.4 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 11.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 28.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 587.6 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 22.6 g |
| Fiber Content | 4.4 g |
| Sugar Content | 13.5 g |
| Protein Content | 16.6 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad Base: Begin by placing the fresh spinach leaves on a large platter. Spread them evenly to form a base for the toppings.
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Add Blue Cheese and Walnuts: Next, crumble the blue cheese over the spinach, followed by the walnut halves. These two ingredients add a wonderful texture and depth of flavor to the salad.
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Make the Maple Dressing: In a small saucepan, gently warm the maple syrup over low heat. This will help it mix smoothly with the other ingredients in the dressing.
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Prepare the Vinegar and Oil: Pour the cider vinegar into a small bowl. Slowly whisk the extra virgin olive oil into the vinegar in a steady stream, creating a smooth, emulsified dressing.
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Combine the Dressing: Once the olive oil is fully incorporated into the vinegar, add the warm maple syrup into the bowl. Continue whisking until the dressing is fully blended and smooth.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the maple dressing evenly over the salad, ensuring that all of the spinach, blue cheese, and walnuts are lightly coated.
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Season and Serve: Finally, season the salad with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything a gentle toss and serve immediately.
This salad serves 4 and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or as a standalone dish for a light and satisfying meal. The creamy blue cheese, crunchy walnuts, and sweet maple dressing make this salad a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and sophisticated. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a milder cheese, you can substitute the blue cheese with feta or goat cheese.
- For an added crunch, toast the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they become aromatic.
- To make the salad even more filling, add some grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for a heartier option.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day or as part of a festive holiday meal, this Blue Cheese and Walnut Salad with Maple Dressing will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
