Spinach Gorgonzola Salad with Raspberry Dressing

A hearty, flavorful salad with a light main dish is one of my favorite ways to eat healthier and this autumn we have been trying a bunch of new salad recipes.  This is one that rose above the rest and got high marks from the pickiest in our family.  We were especially in love with the raspberry dressing and will keep that on our list to try with other salads as well! 

Making this salad is simple as can be.

Just chop the veggies....

Toast the walnuts...

Mix together the dressing (with only a couple of ingredients).  The dressing is actually my favorite part of this salad---it's not too sweet and not too vinegary. 

Throw some Craisins and gorgonzola cheese (or blue cheese) on top...

Mix it all together...

 and put a little drizzle of dressing over the top...

Enjoy a deliciously flavorful salad! 

                                         Click here for printable recipe.

posted by Lara

The ingredients:

SALAD:
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 bag (5-ounces) spinach (I used a bag and a half)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
1/3 red onion, thinly sliced

DRESSING:
2 Tbs. red raspberry jam
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet;  toast in oven for 5 minutes, or until nuts are browned.  In a large bowl, toss spinach, Craisins, gorgonzola, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.  In a small bowl, whisk jam, vinegar, oil, pepper, and salt.  Divide salad amongst 6 plates.  Drizzle with dressing and top with roasted walnuts and additional gorgonzola cheese, if desired.


Makes 6 servings. 

Enjoy!