Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad

I love a good salad, but usually get kind of lazy after making the main dish and just have one of the kids throw together a pre-made salad mix.    Every once in while, though,  I get the urge for something different...something good...something like this salad recipe from my friend Jenny.      I loved the contrast of the sweet and crunchy nuts, with the cool, crisp lettuce, and the soft, tangy cheese.   It's easy enough to serve on a weeknight and special enough to serve for guests. 

Click here for printable recipe.

Serves 6.

For Salad:
1 large head romaine lettuce or 2 hearts of romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 pound Gorgonzola or other blue-veined cheese, crumbled
1 red apple, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries (like Craisins)

For Dressing: (I used a store bought raspberry vinaigrette dressing)**
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup walnut oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For Caramelized Nuts:
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans
3 Tbs. sugar


To caramelize the nuts:  In a dry frying pan combine 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans with 3 tablespoons sugar over medium heat.  Stir constantly until sugar liquefies and nuts become golden brown; about 4-5 minutes; and remove from heat immediately when sugar is liquefied.   Spread nuts on foil and cool.  Break apart.  (NOTE:  Do not add any other fat or liquid to the pan.  In order for it to caramelize properly, you want it to be just the sugar and the nuts.)

For dressing:  In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  (NOTE:  Brianna’s Blush Wine Vinaigrette salad dressing (available at most grocery stores)  also works wonderfully well with this salad.)

To Serve the Salad:  In a large bowl, toss all of the ingredients together.  Add enough dressing to coat the entire salad, keeping in mind that a little dressing goes a long way.  Top with caramelized nuts just before serving. 

Enjoy!