Description
This Spinach Salad with Crispy Pancetta and Candied Nuts is a delightful blend of fresh greens, savory pancetta, and sweet, crunchy nuts. Tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing featuring shallots, garlic, and smoked paprika, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal light meal or an elegant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 (5 ounce) package of spinach
- 1 (4.4 ounce) package diced pancetta
- 1 cup assorted chopped nuts (pecans and sliced almonds recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Candied Nuts
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped shallot, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and pepper. Whisk well to fully blend the ingredients and set aside to develop flavors.
- Cook pancetta and candy the nuts: Using separate skillets, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until it becomes crispy, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. In another skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped nuts and granulated sugar. Stir frequently as the sugar melts and coats the nuts, caramelizing and slightly browning them. Be cautious to prevent burning. Once done, transfer the nuts onto a plate or parchment paper, spreading them out to cool and avoid clumping.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, add the spinach, dried cranberries, candied nuts, and crispy pancetta. You may choose to toss the salad gently with most of the pancetta fat left in the pan for extra flavor or simply layer the pancetta and nuts on top. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss lightly to combine everything evenly before serving.
Notes
- When caramelizing the nuts, stir constantly and watch carefully as sugar can burn quickly.
- You can substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is not available.
- Adjust the smoked paprika in the dressing to taste for a milder or stronger smoky flavor.
- Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crisp textures.
- For added freshness, consider adding sliced apples or pears as an optional topping.
