BABY SPINACH SALAD WITH ROASTED RED ONIONS, PECANS, DRIED CRANBERRIES, CRUMBLED GOAT CHEESE AND CITRUS DRESSING

Baby Spinach Salad with Roasted Red Onions, Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Crumbled Goat Cheese and Citrus Dressing image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 medium red onion
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Citrus Dressing, recipe follows
8 cups baby spinach
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Slice the onion into thin wedges, through the root end. Toss with the olive oil, season with salt, to taste, and spread out on a baking sheet. Roast until just soft and brown, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Put the spinach and onions in a large bowl. Drizzle with some of the dressing and toss. Add more dressing as needed; spinach should just be lightly coated. Divide salad among 4 chilled plates. Top with pecans, goat cheese, and dried cranberries. Serve immediately.
Whisk the lemon zest, lemon juice, orange juice, Dijon, honey, thyme, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Gradually whisk in the oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream, to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.