Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans Recipe

Name: Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 1 (5-ounce) package prewashed baby spinach; 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, fried crisp; 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

Servings: persons

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
1 (5-ounce) package prewashed baby spinach
4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces, fried crisp
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1
Pecans: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2
Stir in all the spices and the pecans.
3
Stir and toast the pecans for about 5 minutes.
4
Transfer them to a plate to cool.
5
Salad: Whisk together the Dijon mustard, shallots, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl.
6
Drizzle in the olive oil in a continuous stream, whisking to emulsify.
7
Season with a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste.
8
Add the spinach to a large serving bowl.
9
Toss the greens with the prepared dressing, the bacon, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes and spiced pecans.

865

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 17 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and more.

Yes, Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans falls under the Salads category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Gina's Spinach Salad with Spiced Pecans

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions