HOLIDAY CRANBERRY-WALNUT SALAD

Holiday Cranberry-Walnut Salad image

A warm salad is a nice change of pace at holiday dinners. Port wine infuses cranberries with flavor, while balsamic vinegar adds a bit of tang to the dressing.-Becky Walch, Manteca, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup port wine
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 package (6 ounces) fresh baby spinach
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup walnut halves, toasted
1/4 cup cubed Gouda cheese

Steps:

In a small saucepan, combine cranberries and wine. Bring to a boil; cook for 4-5 minutes or until plumped. Set aside to cool. Drain cranberries, reserving liquid; set aside., Return reserved liquid to saucepan; add the onion, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until onion is tender. Remove from the heat. Cool slightly; whisk in oil., In a large bowl, combine the spinach, bacon, walnuts, cheese and cranberries. Drizzle with onion mixture; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 162 calories, Fat 11g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 12mg cholesterol, Sodium 205mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.