Winter Salad Recipe: Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

Published: November 30, 2025

by Grace Bennett

Why You'll Love This Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

This incredible Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

Ingredients for Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts:

8 cups baby spinach – Fresh and vibrant, spinach provides the perfect base for this winter salad, offering a rich source of vitamins A and C.

1 cup granny smith apple, sliced thin – These tart apples offer a delightful crunch and balance the richness of the cheese and nuts with their zingy flavor.

1 cup toffee pecans – Sweet, crunchy, and utterly addicting, toffee pecans elevate the salad, adding both texture and a light caramel flavor.

½ cup dried cranberries – These little bursts of sweetness provide color and chewiness, giving every bite a pop of delightful tartness.

½ cup gorgonzola cheese – This sharp blue cheese brings an earthy richness, beautifully contrasting with the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.

¼ cup red wine vinegar – An essential ingredient for the dressing, it adds a tangy kick that brightens up all the salad components.

¼ cup olive oil – A staple in salad dressings, this adds a healthy fat component, enriching the flavors and mouthfeel.

1 teaspoon dijon mustard – This offers a subtle zing and depth to the dressing, perfect for elevating the overall flavor profile.

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs – A blend of herbs adds a hint of earthiness that rounds out the dressing beautifully.

¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – This adds a soft kick to the dressing, bringing all the flavors to life.

How to Make Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts:

Step 1: Slice the Apples
Start by washing and thinly slicing the granny smith apples. Make sure they’re nice and crisp; they’ll add the perfect bite to the salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Greens
In a large salad bowl, measure out 8 cups of baby spinach. It’s the base that will hold all that deliciousness, so be generous.

Step 3: Add the Goodies
To the spinach, toss in the sliced apples, dried cranberries, toffee pecans, and gorgonzola cheese. The burst of colors and textures is not just beautiful; it’s a party in your bowl.

Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried Italian herbs, Himalayan salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until well blended. It should smell divine.

Step 5: Incorporate the Olive Oil
Now, slowly add the olive oil into the dressing mixture, whisking as you go. The dressing should thicken slightly and become glossy, looking as good as it tastes.

Step 6: Dress the Salad
Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Don’t be shy—make sure everything gets a taste of that yummy dressing.

Serve this stunning salad immediately for the best flavor experience. Garnish with extra pecans if you’re feeling extra fancy, and prepare for your guests to ask for seconds!

You Must Know About Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

This showstopping Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts Cooking Process

To whip up this delightful Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts efficiently, start by washing and slicing your apples. Prepare your dressing next to allow the flavors to meld while you assemble the salad ingredients. Finally, toss everything together just before serving.

Add Your Touch to Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

Feel free to customize your Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts by swapping granny smith apples for honeycrisp or replacing gorgonzola with feta. Add toasted sunflower seeds for extra crunch or a drizzle of honey to heighten sweetness.

Storing & Reheating Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

To keep your Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts fresh, store the dressing separately in the fridge. Assemble just before serving. If leftovers occur, consume within a day to maintain the crunch of the spinach.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

This professional-quality Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Creating this Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts brings back memories of family dinners where everyone would gather, bowls piled high, laughter echoing over perfectly dressed salads.

FAQs About Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

What is Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts?

Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts is a vibrant and refreshing dish ideal for the colder months. This salad features fresh baby spinach, crisp Granny Smith apples, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, and crunchy candied walnuts, combined with a tangy dressing. It beautifully balances flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish or a light meal. Not only is it delicious, but this salad adds a festive touch to any dinner table, ensuring it stands out during the winter season.

How can I customize my Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts?

Feel free to tailor your Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts to suit your taste. Swap Granny Smith apples for sweeter ones like Honeycrisp, or try feta cheese instead of Gorgonzola for a different flavor profile. You can also add toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch or drizzle honey for added sweetness. Adjustments like these maintain the spirit of the dish while allowing your unique twist to shine.

Can I make Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components of Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts in advance. Chop the spinach, apples, and toppings ahead of time and store them separately. Prepare the dressing as well, but store it in a jar and keep it refrigerated. Combine everything just before serving to keep the spinach fresh and crispy. This way, you can enjoy this delightful salad without any last-minute kitchen chaos.

What is the nutritional value of Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts?

The nutritional value of Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients used. However, a typical serving contains approximately 337 calories, providing a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It’s a heart-healthy choice packed with vitamins from spinach and apples, plus healthy fats from walnuts. Its nutritional profile makes it a delightful addition to your winter meals without sacrificing taste or health benefits.

Conclusion for Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts

In summary, the Winter Salad – Spinach, Apple, Gorgonzola & Candied Walnuts is an ideal dish for festive gatherings or cozy dinners. Its combination of flavors brings warmth and comfort, while the vibrant ingredients ensure it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Simple to make and easy to customize, this salad is sure to impress your guests and become a winter favorite. Enjoy every bite of this delightful creation!