Sugar Toasted Almond Spinach Salad for 8

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 large bags (16 oz each) baby spinach
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Sugar Toasted Almond Vinaigrette (see below)

Sugar Toasted Almond Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

5 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the almonds and sugar.
2. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the almond mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the almonds are toasted, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the almonds from the skillet and let cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, toasted almonds, blue cheese, and cranberries.
5. Drizzle with the Sugar Toasted Almond Vinaigrette and toss to combine.

Sugar Toasted Almond Vinaigrette:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1/8 of recipe):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Fresh and vibrant
• Sweet and savory
• Perfect for a light lunch or dinner

User Comments:

• "This salad is absolutely delicious! The toasted almonds add a wonderful crunch and sweetness, and the blue cheese and cranberries give it a nice tangy flavor."
• "I love how easy this salad is to make. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal."
• "This is one of my favorite salads. It's so refreshing and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you are allergic to nuts, you can omit the almonds.
• You can use any type of cheese you like in this salad. Feta or goat cheese would be good alternatives to blue cheese.
• This salad is best served fresh. The spinach will start to wilt if it is refrigerated for too long.