Port Wine Spinach Salad With Sweet And Spicy Pecans

Name: Port Wine Spinach Salad With Sweet And Spicy Pecans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Dressing; 1 cup port wine; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Nuts; 1/2 cup pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts; 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon canola oil; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (or more); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salad; ½ cups spinach or ½ cups baby greens, this dressing sticks better to soft lettuces; 2 apples, cut into thin wedges (I like to use pink ladies) or 2 pears, cut into wedges; 1 ounce blue cheese, cut into pieces (or more); 1/4 red onions, cut into eighths and sliced (optional) or 1 -2 shallot, minced (optional)

Servings: persons

Dressing
1 cup port wine
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Nuts
1/2 cup pecans or 1/2 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon canola oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (or more)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salad
½ cups spinach or ½ cups baby greens, this dressing sticks better to soft lettuces
2 apples, cut into thin wedges (I like to use pink ladies) or 2 pears, cut into wedges
1 ounce blue cheese, cut into pieces (or more)
1/4 red onions, cut into eighths and sliced (optional) or 1 -2 shallot, minced (optional)

1
To make dressing, reduce port wine to 3 tablespoons.
2
Transfer port syrup to another container, and whisk in balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and olive oil. Dressing may be made in advance, and re-whisked before serving.
3
Bring water to a boil in a medium pot. Using a strainer or sieve, dip nuts in boiling water for one minute (this removes some of the bitterness).
4
Transfer nuts to a bowl and immediately sprinkle with sugar. Mix until all of the sugar is melted.
5
Heat canola oil on medium high heat in a nonstick pan. Saute nuts for a few minutes. The nuts will become sort of candied.
6
Scatter nuts on a plate and sprinkle with spices. Toss to coast. Stir occasionally as nuts are cooling. Nuts may be kept for up to one week.
7
Toss spinach with dressing, and arrange apples, red onions, nuts, and blue cheese over the salad.

281

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

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: Dressing, 1 cup port wine, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and more.

Yes, Port Wine Spinach Salad With Sweet And Spicy 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!